muse
5 synonyms and 0 antonyms for muse, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A person or force that inspires an artist, writer, or other creative person.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use muse
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle French muse, tracing back to Latin Musa and ultimately Ancient Greek Mousa, the word for one of the goddesses of the arts.
Full origin of muse →Frequently asked questions
What does “muse” mean?
The word “muse” means a person or force that inspires an artist, writer, or other creative person. In plain terms, either something/someone that sparks your creativity, or the quiet act of thinking deeply about something.
How do you pronounce “muse”?
“Muse” is pronounced myooz (/mjuz/ in IPA).
How do you use “muse” in a sentence?
Here is “muse” used in a sentence: “The old harbour town became a muse for the painter's entire final collection.”
What part of speech is “muse”?
Depending on how it is used, “muse” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “muse” come from?
The word “muse” comes from Ancient Greek. From Middle French muse, tracing back to Latin Musa and ultimately Ancient Greek Mousa, the word for one of the goddesses of the arts.
Is “muse” a common word?
“Muse” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “muse” have?
“Muse” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person or force that inspires an artist, writer, or other creative person.
What is the difference between a muse and an inspiration?
A muse is typically a specific person or force that consistently inspires an artist, writer, or other creative person, whereas inspiration is the general feeling or idea sparked by any source. A muse often implies an ongoing personal or creative relationship, not a one-off spark.
Why are the Muses associated with the arts in mythology?
In Greek mythology, the Muses were nine goddesses believed to preside over the arts and sciences, and artists would traditionally invoke them for creative inspiration. This is the origin of using "muse" to describe anyone or anything that inspires creative work today.
Can muse be used as a verb as well as a noun?
Yes, as a verb "muse" means to think quietly and deeply about something, or to ponder. For example, someone might muse over a difficult decision, which is a different meaning from the noun sense referring to a source of inspiration.