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 Naturally, this instilled her with a strong appreciation for how the combination of spaces, objects, and nature could create a beautiful environment—and a love for texture, color, and pattern. Sydney Gore, Architectural Digest, 6 Feb. 2025 The International Monetary Fund has estimated that Chinese local government debts total around $9 trillion; addressing the problem represents a major push by the central government to stabilize the economy and instill more confidence in the Chinese market. Yun Sun, Foreign Affairs, 6 Feb. 2025 Almajiri Scholar Scheme The Almajiri Scholar Scheme also incorporates psychosocial support as a core part of its approach, aiming to instill confidence in the children and nurture their self-esteem. Ogar Monday, The Christian Science Monitor, 4 Feb. 2025 The presence of members of Tren de Aragua in the U.S. has also helped instill some wariness toward newer arrivals. Suzanne Gamboa, NBC News, 3 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for instill 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instill
Verb
  • Fortunately, most vegetable seeds are easy–they can be planted right away.
    Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Feb. 2025
  • The style had been around since at least the ‘80s, and back then, it was firmly planted in our cultural mindset as a garment reserved solely for mothers.
    Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 14 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The label became ingrained in hip-hop history with classic music and lore that breeds clickbait stories 20 years after its dissolution.
    Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 10 Feb. 2025
  • The Minnesota Derby and Minnesota Oaks, both restricted to 3-year-olds bred in the state, will offer purses of $75,000 and will be contested Saturday, Aug. 10, Made in MN Night, along with the Wally’s Choice and Glitter Star, both $40,000 handicaps.
    Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Brad has inculcated an ethos of approaching cinema with a longer life, which Dede and I already had seeds of in our respective practices.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 12 Feb. 2025
  • Unapologetic in its rejection of discretion regarding gore, the series inculcates Julia Kristeva’s theory of the abject wherein a transgression of boundaries between subjectivity and objectivity, the self and the other, is enabled.
    Sakhi Thirani, JSTOR Daily, 22 Mar. 2023
Verb
  • The video showed her injuries, revealing she was shot in the face and multiple fragments remain embedded in her skull.
    Sara Vallone, Miami Herald, 10 Feb. 2025
  • Really wanting to explore the knowing, having the knowledge that we are embedded in a living planet, and being able to feel that connection.
    Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Will that interest translate into new fans, who might have rooted on the River Cats — and therefore the Giants — but will now switch major-league allegiances to the vagabond A’s?
    Evan Webeck, The Mercury News, 3 Feb. 2025
  • Kelce's mother Donna and brother Jason were also in attendance rooting on the Chiefs.
    Marina Watts, People.com, 27 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near instill

Cite this Entry

“Instill.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instill. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

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