INSPIRIT Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'inspirit' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of inspirit are embolden , encourage , and hearten . While all these words mean "to fill with courage or strength of purpose," inspirit , somewhat literary, implies instilling life, energy, courage, or vigor into something. // patriots inspirited the people to resist

Q: When is 'embolden' a more appropriate choice than 'inspirit'?

Although the words embolden and inspirit have much in common, embolden implies the giving of courage sufficient to overcome timidity or reluctance. // emboldened by her first success, she tried an even more difficult climb

Q: When would 'encourage' be a good substitute for 'inspirit'?

In some situations, the words encourage and inspirit are roughly equivalent. However, encourage suggests the raising of one's confidence especially by an external agency. // the teacher's praise encouraged the students to greater efforts

Q: When might 'hearten' be a better fit than 'inspirit'?

The synonyms hearten and inspirit are sometimes interchangeable, but hearten implies the lifting of dispiritedness or despondency by an infusion of fresh courage or zeal. // a hospital patient heartened by good news

inspirit

verb

in-ˈspir-ət

Definition of inspirit

as in to inspire

to fill with courage or strength of purpose the sight of the royal family doughtily enduring the bombing raids greatly inspirited the rest of the population

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How does the verb inspirit differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of inspirit are embolden, encourage, and hearten. While all these words mean "to fill with courage or strength of purpose," inspirit, somewhat literary, implies instilling life, energy, courage, or vigor into something.

patriots inspirited the people to resist

When is embolden a more appropriate choice than inspirit?

Although the words embolden and inspirit have much in common, embolden implies the giving of courage sufficient to overcome timidity or reluctance.

emboldened by her first success, she tried an even more difficult climb

When would encourage be a good substitute for inspirit?

In some situations, the words encourage and inspirit are roughly equivalent. However, encourage suggests the raising of one's confidence especially by an external agency.

the teacher's praise encouraged the students to greater efforts

When might hearten be a better fit than inspirit?

The synonyms hearten and inspirit are sometimes interchangeable, but hearten implies the lifting of dispiritedness or despondency by an infusion of fresh courage or zeal.

a hospital patient heartened by good news

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of inspirit He is blinded by comforting, inspiriting harmonies, a forceful but unseeing disturbance of the peace. — Philip Kennicott, Washington Post, 10 Sep. 2019 The women’s program is the entire backbone and inspiriting force of soccer in America - and has been ever since 1996. — Sally Jenkins, Houston Chronicle, 12 June 2019 The women's program is the entire backbone and inspiriting force of soccer in America - and has been ever since 1996. — Sally Jenkins, courant.com, 12 June 2019

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspirit

Verb

The restaurant's menu is inspired by the history of Menorca, especially the period of French occupation in the 18th century, which had a significant influence on the island’s cuisine.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
The film seeks to celebrate Guillén’s life while honoring the tireless advocacy of her family, whose campaigning inspired lasting legislative change and amplified the voices of military families.

— Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of inspire

Verb

While the colors blend in with the landscape and may draw your eye outside, the rooms also encourage procrastinating.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
Lee told the Queen that her husband’s candidness has encouraged many to feel more comfortable with their own cancer journeys.

— Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of encourage

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inspiring

inspirit

inspirited

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“Inspirit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inspirit. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of inspirit

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