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

Relevance

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

Examples 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 This dual experience instilled a deep respect for craftsmanship and an understanding of what customers value. Alexandra Pastore, WWD, 26 Dec. 2024 This brutal enforcement mechanism not only protects their operations but also instills fear within communities. Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 24 Dec. 2024 This relationship can instill a sense of accountability and commitment, countering the entitlement mindset. Nilesh Parmar, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024 While Klopp’s teams thrived in the transitional phases that these riskier passes could bring, Slot is instilling a more calculated approach. Mark Carey, The Athletic, 22 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for instill 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instill
Verb
  • Gardeners in mild climates (Zones 9-11) can plant outdoors for early spring blooms.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 30 Dec. 2024
  • Many gardeners in Arkansas have started planting their bulbs outdoors in the spring, and leave them there year-round.
    Janet Carson, arkansasonline.com, 30 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • That is what breeds dishonesty and breaks authenticity.
    Drew Gerber, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
  • This growth saw housing costs rise, breeding popular discontent.
    Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 18 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • This is generally seen as a positive, a sign that there’s a noble human tendency to be guided by our own internal moral compass, to remain faithful to the beliefs inculcated or passed on to us by our parents, caregivers, or cultural upbringing.
    Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
  • In his autobiography, Franklin recounts his plan to inculcate virtue and expel vice.
    Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 1 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Of more practical use is an NFC tag embedded in the foil seal of a bottle which not only enables its journey to be logged, but also registers when the wine has been opened.
    Chris Hall, WIRED, 18 Dec. 2024
  • There's a network of ports that are civilian and military logistical bases around the world and hundreds of organizations with Communist Party links that are as embedded in the heart of America as in tiny Pacific islands.
    Didi Kirsten Tatlow, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Plants tend to be short lived, but are easy to root from stem cuttings.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 22 Dec. 2024
  • There is a way to meet in the middle like a Jamaican girl making music that's rooted and grounded in Jamaican roots, but still have influences from other songs. LA: Obviously, the weather in Jamaica is fabulous- SK: Perfection.
    CNT Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near instill

Cite this Entry

“Instill.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instill. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on instill

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!