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

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 For some, though, the spotlight on Sunday’s actions instilled more fear. Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 28 Jan. 2025 The former Disney Channel star also spoke on fundamental things her mother, Kiya Cole, instilled in her in preparation. Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 27 Jan. 2025 But at the root is her family, who instilled in her a deep sense of community, confidence and resilience at a very young age. Kyle Eustice, SPIN, 24 Jan. 2025 Small touches like swapping out your sheets and bath towels for a soft fabric or upgrading your robe can help instill small moments of coziness in your day. Anna Haines, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for instill 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instill
Verb
  • For the bevy of current acts claiming to have burrowed down into the roots of country music, a good many of them have never actually cracked far enough into the surface of the soil to even plant a dandelion — all the while, Nick Shoulders is busy doing his best groundhog impression.
    Aaron Davis, Sacramento Bee, 1 Feb. 2025
  • Seeds started now will be stunted or killed by fungus long before the air and soil are warm enough to plant them outside.
    Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 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
  • And that atmosphere of determination bred a desire to prove themselves.
    Ben Morse, CNN, 6 Feb. 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
  • 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
  • And while Victor’s film might be rooted specifically in Agnes’ story and the bad thing at its center, in its specificity, there’s still tremendous room for wider recognition and revelation.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 1 Feb. 2025
  • Presumably, Taylor Swift will be present again, rooting on her boyfriend.
    Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 29 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near instill

Cite this Entry

“Instill.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instill. Accessed 17 Feb. 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!