Inspiration — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˌin(t)-spə-ˈrā-shən/ in·spi·ra·tion

Meaning & Definition of Inspiration

Inspiration (noun)

  1. an inspiring agent or influence
  2. the quality or state of being inspired
  3. something that is inspired

Inspiration (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. something that arouses action or activity

    "She traveled cross-country seeking inspiration for her next book."

    "He credits his mother as his inspiration for becoming a social worker."

    similar: motivation, encouragement, galvanization, goad, incentive, inducement, induction, jog, prod, spur, stimulant, stimulation, stimulus, boost, excitement, impetus, incitation, incitement, instigation, momentum, provocation, yeast, catalyzer, fuel, spark, antecedent, cause, impulse, occasion, reason, determinant, expedient, factor, influence, ingredient, mechanism, tool, enticement, lure
    opposite: counterincentive, disincentive, subduing

  2. the ability to form mental images of things that either are not physically present or have never been conceived or created by others

    "They were a group of young artists filled with inspiration."

    similar: contrivance, creativity, fancy, fantasy, ideation, imagination, imaginativeness, invention, inventiveness, originality, brainstorm, brainstorming, fecundity, fertility, ingenuity, resourcefulness, versatility, chimera, daydream, delusion, dream, figment, hallucination, illusion, mind's eye, mirage, phantasm, pipe dream, envisaging, visualization
    opposite: literality, literalness

  3. a feeling of ease from grief or trouble

    "The return of summer brought with it a new sense of inspiration."

    similar: cheer, comfort, consolation, relief, solace, encouragement, uplift, assurance, reassurance, alleviation, assuagement, mitigation, contentment, gladness, happiness
    opposite: anguish, distress, heartache, heartbreak, torment, torture

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Inspiration

The most common words with a similar meaning to Inspiration:

motivation, encouragement, galvanization, goad, incentive, inducement, induction, jog, prod, spur, stimulant, stimulation, stimulus, boost, excitement, impetus, incitation, incitement, instigation, momentum, provocation, yeast, catalyzer, fuel, spark, antecedent, cause, impulse, occasion, reason, determinant, expedient, factor, influence, ingredient, mechanism, tool, enticement, lure, contrivance

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Inspiration

Words with the opposite meaning of Inspiration:

counterincentive, disincentive, subduing, literality, literalness, anguish, distress, heartache, heartbreak, torment, torture

Word Forms of Inspiration

Derived words: inspirational (adjective), inspirationally (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Inspiration

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Inspiration

Words & Phrases Containing Inspiration

divine inspiration

Frequently Asked Questions about Inspiration

What does "Inspiration" mean?

"Inspiration" means an inspiring agent or influence. As a noun, it is defined as: an inspiring agent or influence. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Inspiration"?

Other words for "Inspiration" include motivation, encouragement, galvanization, goad, incentive, inducement, induction and jog. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Inspiration" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Inspiration"?

There are 83 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Inspiration". Common alternatives include motivation, encouragement, galvanization, goad, incentive, inducement, induction, jog, prod and spur.

What is the opposite of "Inspiration"?

Antonyms of "Inspiration" include counterincentive, disincentive, subduing, literality, literalness, anguish, distress and heartache.

How do you use "Inspiration" in a sentence?

Examples of "Inspiration" in a sentence: "She traveled cross-country seeking inspiration for her next book."; "He credits his mother as his inspiration for becoming a social worker."; "They were a group of young artists filled with inspiration.".

Is "Inspiration" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Inspiration" is a noun.

Is "Inspiration" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Inspiration" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Inspiration"?

"Inspiration" is pronounced /ˌin(t)-spə-ˈrā-shən/ and divided into syllables as in·spi·ra·tion.