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 next

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

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Recent Examples of instill The college aims to give its students an education that is not just about their work but about their lives—instilling in them a sense of purpose, restoring their feeling of competence, teaching them virtue. —

Emma Green, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2026 Dimon delivered a familiar tale that somehow manages to instill calm and panic at the same time. —

Diane Brady, Fortune, 17 Apr. 2026 Her penchant for shirting is, by all accounts, a natural one, passed down by her father and grandfather—both bespoke tailors who instilled in her an exacting eye for quality and execution. —

Talia Abbas, Vogue, 16 Apr. 2026 My father always instilled a great deal of empathy in me. —

Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 16 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for instill

Recent Examples of Synonyms for instill

Verb

Nataliia and Valerii papered the walls in bright patterns and planted cosmos in the front yard.

— Lizzie Johnson, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2026
Later, Josh Manson got planted into the metal part of the boards near the home bench at game speed, suffering an upper-body injury that sent him back to the locker room.

— Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 24 Apr. 2026