instill

as in to plant
to set permanently in the consciousness or mind-set a charismatic leader who instilled in his followers a passionate commitment to the cause

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb instill differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of instill are implant, inculcate, infix, and inseminate. While all these words mean "to introduce into the mind," instill stresses gradual, gentle imparting of knowledge over a long period of time.

instill traditional values in your children

When would implant be a good substitute for instill?

While in some cases nearly identical to instill, implant implies teaching that makes for permanence of what is taught.

implanted a love of reading in her students

Where would inculcate be a reasonable alternative to instill?

While the synonyms inculcate and instill are close in meaning, inculcate implies persistent or repeated efforts to impress on the mind.

tried to inculcate in him high moral standards

When could infix be used to replace instill?

Although the words infix and instill have much in common, infix stresses firmly inculcating a habit of thought.

infixed a chronic cynicism

In what contexts can inseminate take the place of instill?

The meanings of inseminate and instill largely overlap; however, inseminate applies to a sowing of ideas in many minds so that they spread through a class or nation.

inseminated an unquestioning faith in technology

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 instill But the Fighting Irish’s postseason has been characterized by grit and determination, and head coach Marcus Freeman will be instilling the same never-say-die attitude in his players. Jamie Barton, CNN, 19 Jan. 2025 Through them, the dictatorship instills fear and distrust to maintain power. Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2025 The actor-turned-filmmaker, who co-adapts with Carlino, instills the source material with a clear-eyed sense of emotional authenticity, from its fantastical romanticism to the characters’ delicately-faceted relationship dynamics. Courtney Howard, Variety, 16 Jan. 2025 Vaughan said that loss to Northwest Catholic instilled confidence in his team that the Guardians could play with higher level teams and said the East Hartford win was one of their better efforts. Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 13 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for instill 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instill
Verb
  • Its Ne Cede Malis Block was studied by University of California, Davis in the 1980s after the winery discovered field blend Petite Sirah vines and other Rhone varieties that were planted there in the 1930s.
    Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Indiana is home to a new initiative aimed at keeping the next generation of Hoosier entrepreneurs planted here in the state.
    Justin L. Mack, Axios, 22 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Another provision seeks to minimize harvest of breeding pairs in Wisconsin.
    Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Certain dogs, particularly those bred for hunting or herding, are more likely to chase.
    Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • This preoccupation misses the elephant in the room: the disintegration or collapse of the Black family, the prime engine for inculcating behavioral norms indispensable to success.
    Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Lammy’s education inculcated in him the rituals and expectations of the British establishment.
    Sam Knight, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Financial services are becoming increasingly embedded with nonfinancial platforms to help enable more seamless transactional experiences for users.
    Duke Chung, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
  • First responders attach meaning to their service in times of disaster, and their identities are embedded in this belief in ways that may impact their mortality.
    Roberto Rivera, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Blooming consumes a lot of the plant’s energy and cuttings taken from flowering plants are generally harder to root.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Yet the decision to flee from a traumatic event in which another human being has lost their life is likely rooted more in psychology than a driver’s penchant to kill.
    Ryan Lillis, Sacramento Bee, 17 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near instill

Cite this Entry

“Instill.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instill. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

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