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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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 What would help is a continuous conscious effort to break those habits and instill new, better behaviors. Brenda Looper, arkansasonline.com, 2 Jan. 2025 Melissa & Doug Slice and Bake Wooden Cookie Play Food Set This Melissa & Doug cookie play food set is precious and instills a love of cooking. Jacquelyn Smith, Parents, 2 Jan. 2025 The tactic has frequently been used by extremist organizations and radicalized individuals to kill, injure and instill fear, employing one of the most commonplace objects in modern life. Jenna Russell, New York Times, 2 Jan. 2025 Their mutual appreciation for craft was instilled by their grandmother, Dagmar, a tailor, who taught them the importance of looking at the details. Talia Abbas, Vogue, 30 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for instill 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instill
Verb
  • But the hardest game, the one that planted the seeds for this run to the title game, was Week 3 against Purdue — a 66-7 win.
    Tim Reynolds, Chicago Tribune, 11 Jan. 2025
  • By implementing erosion control practices like contour gardening, terracing and planting vegetative buffer zones along water routes, gardeners can prevent soil loss and protect water quality.
    Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • That relationship breeds trust, which sparks inspiration and influences behavior.
    Rodney Mason, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
  • Most are descendants of animals that escaped from Spanish explorers, the United States Calvary, Indigenous People, or ranchers and survived to breed.
    Jessica Farthing, Southern Living, 30 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
  • Nicole Cuffy Penguin Random House, March When Faruq Zaidi, a grieving Muslim journalist, seizes the chance to embed himself in a California cult, his determination to get a story pushes him into the world of its mystical leader.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 4 Jan. 2025
  • At work, compliance is embedded in professional hierarchies.
    Dr. Sunita Sah, TIME, 4 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • As many as 10 hogs have been tearing up yards and rooting through trash left for garbage collectors, according to WFAA.
    Landon Mion, Fox News, 6 Jan. 2025
  • The southern tradition is rooted partly in a century-old revolt against the privileges granted to Brahmans, the priestly caste that sits at the top of Hinduism’s ancient social hierarchy.
    Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 2 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near instill

Cite this Entry

“Instill.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instill. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

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