Thesaurus results for INSTILL

instill

verb

in-ˈstil

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 Perhaps no one is better at instilling confidence in players of all experience levels at that position. —

Mike Sando, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026 But Abela manages to instill a sense of precarity in the character and, somehow, Yasmin often feels like an underdog. —

Louis Staples, Glamour, 12 Jan. 2026 Under such regimes, the state uses indiscriminate barbarity to instill constant terror in the population. —

Elizabeth Tsurkov, The Atlantic, 11 Jan. 2026 The phrase also sometimes is used as a battle cry and has been employed by those with a nefarious agenda to instill fear of anyone who utters it and to raise concerns about Islam itself, according to Muslim scholars and civil rights advocates. —

Michelle Krupa, CNN Money, 11 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for instill

Recent Examples of Synonyms for instill

Verb

Just like propagating other succulents, cuttings from these plants should be allowed to callus for a few days and then planted in soil to avoid issues with rot.

— Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Jan. 2026
Start with a Small Container Don't plant too many seeds in a small container—give them enough space to grow.

— Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 13 Jan. 2026