stimulating

adjective

stim·​u·​lat·​ing ˈstim-yə-ˌlā-tiŋ How to pronounce stimulating (audio)
Synonyms of stimulatingnext
: producing stimulation: such as
a
: enjoyably exciting or interesting
a very stimulating experience/environment
a stimulating discussion
"There is nothing more stimulating than a case where everything goes against you."Arthur Conan Doyle
b
: acting as a stimulant : producing increased energy or alertness
When nicotine reaches the brain it mimics the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which has a stimulating effect.Laura Mansnerus
They gave strong narcotic or stimulating drugs indiscriminately …John Laffin

Examples of stimulating in a Sentence

enjoys the good food and stimulating conversation at his best friend's house a brisk, stimulating walk on a bright, clear wintry day an article containing a stimulating argument for raising, not lowering, the tax on gasoline
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Most substances of abuse—from cocaine to alcohol—lead to a surge of dopamine in the basal ganglia when these drugs are initially encountered and their stimulating effects are not predictable. Literary Hub, 13 May 2026 Bedroom Environment Matters More Than Your Mattress A new mattress can’t fix a room that’s too warm, too bright or too stimulating at night. Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 12 May 2026 This means that the stimulating effects of coffee increase the rate at which the kidneys filter the blood and fill up the bladder. Kristen Gasnick, Verywell Health, 6 May 2026 This pairing is fun, mentally stimulating and always evolving, which is exactly what keeps it alive. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stimulating

Word History

First Known Use

1645, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stimulating was in 1645

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Cite this Entry

“Stimulating.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stimulating. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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