Synonyms of instill

instill

verb

in-ˈstil 

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

• plant
• breed
• inculcate
• embed
• root
• implant
• inseminate
• sow
• lodge
• entrench
• drive
• imbed
• infuse
• enroot
• invest
• imbue
• infix
• inoculate
• intrench
• ingrain
• engrain
• hammer
• pound
• suffuse
• steep
• fix

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

Recent Examples of instill

The school districts allege the companies designed their products in a way that encourages compulsive use, instills anxiety when users aren’t on the platform often enough and provides inadequate parental controls. —Silas Allen, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Feb. 2025

Critics argue that these raids instill fear in vulnerable communities and violate protections against unreasonable searches and seizures. —Mark Joseph, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025

During her toast at the dinner table, with a row of candles extending the entire length, Romanek praised McWilliams for taking a risk in moving the family to L.A., and instilling in her a strong work ethic. —Booth Moore, WWD, 21 Feb. 2025

Her purpose as a nonprofit leader has been deeply informed by her untraditional upbringing in a family with 108 children (connected via biology, fostering, and adoption), and by her Catholic faith, instilled in her by her devout parents. —Solcyré Burga, TIME, 20 Feb. 2025