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Synonyms

inspiration

American  
[in-spuh-rey-shuhn] / ˌɪn spəˈreɪ ʃən /

noun

  1. an inspiring or animating action or influence.

    I cannot write poetry without inspiration.
    Synonyms:
    incitement, stimulus

  2. something inspired, as an idea.

  3. a result of inspired activity.

  4. a thing or person that inspires.

  5. Theology.

    1. a divine influence directly and immediately exerted upon the mind or soul.

    2. the divine quality of the writings or words of a person so influenced.

  6. the drawing of air into the lungs; inhalation.

  7. the act of inspiring; quality or state of being inspired.

inspiration British  
/ ˌɪnspɪˈreɪʃən /

noun

  1. stimulation or arousal of the mind, feelings, etc, to special or unusual activity or creativity

  2. the state or quality of being so stimulated or aroused

  3. someone or something that causes this state

  4. an idea or action resulting from such a state

  5. the act or process of inhaling; breathing in

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
inspiration Scientific  
/ ĭn′spə-rā′shən /

  1. See inhalation

Other Word Forms

  • reinspiration noun

Etymology

Origin of inspiration

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English inspiracio(u)n, from Late Latin inspīrātiōn-, stem of inspīrātiō literally “a breathing in,” from inspīrāt(us) “breathed in” (past participle of inspīrāre; inspire ) + -iō -ion

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

They take inspiration from the characters in their daily lives and refuse to watch any other TV shows.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

"Squids and cuttlefish have so many unique features compared to other animal groups, making them an endless source of inspiration for scientists," says Prof. Daniel Rokhsar, head of the Molecular Genetics Unit.

From Science Daily • Apr. 1, 2026

"Barbie Dream Fest was created as an intimate fan convention designed to foster meaningful connection, inspiration, and closer access to Barbie and her world. We will be providing full refunds to everyone who purchased tickets."

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

Since 2015, strides have been made to introduce more savory yogurts, taking inspiration from recipes around the world.

From Salon • Mar. 28, 2026

Your inspiration for a music or integrated lesson plan can be a song, an instrument, timbre, vocal sound, poem, story, rhythm, speech pattern, etc.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.