Thesaurus results for INSTILL

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

instill

verb

in-ˈstil

Definition of 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 Studies on the psychology of saving have found attaching tangible milestones to financial planning, such as a goal to buy a home, tend to instill better savings habits in young people. — Tristan Bove, Fortune, 30 June 2026 There is little doubt that having his father as a coach helped shape the way Brunson carried himself on and off the court, instilling a sense of discipline and composure that are the hallmarks of his leadership. — Theodore McDarrah, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 However, desperate stabs at reinvention, from attempts to break into the prediction and cryptocurrency markets to a bizarre and unexpected merger with a fusion power company called TAE Technologies late last year, have done little to instill confidence. — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 24 June 2026 In the spirit of resourcefulness that Wilson instilled in many of us, Wassmann’s Disco Vision series incorporates upcycled LaserDiscs, a pre-DVD film format discontinued in the early aughts, as diffusers. — Adrian Madlener, Curbed, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for instill

Recent Examples of Synonyms for instill

Verb

Her suggestions include an IONNYK digital art frame, planting trees in a national park through the National Park Foundation or a custom travel trunk by Eva Joan Repair.

— Merle Ginsberg, HollywoodReporter, 3 July 2026
This season, some farmers may opt to plant crops that require less nitrogen fertilizer than corn, such as soy beans, in response to rising costs.

— Joe Hernandez, NPR, 3 July 2026

Definition of plant

Verb

With no natural predators and the ability to breed year-round, their populations have exploded over the decades.

— Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
Plant breeders, including universities, have long experimented with breeding new crop varieties, and some have become household names.

— Claire Rush, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026

Definition of breed

Verb

Teaching religion at two Catholic high schools before and after law school, my job was to inculcate Roman Catholic values in my students.

— Charles J. Russo, The Conversation, 29 June 2026
We were constantly informed that our purpose was to become genteel and inculcated in Christian virtue.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 May 2026

Definition of inculcate

Verb

The day after rooting on the soccer icon during his FIFA World Cup 0-0 match against Colombia at Hard Rock Stadium, Rodriguez partook in a little Me Time.

— Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 29 June 2026
The shoe itself remains fully rooted in Hoka’s performance DNA, even as it is positioned for lifestyle use.

— Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 28 June 2026

Definition of root

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instigators

instill

instilled

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“Instill.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instill. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of instill

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