1
as in exciting
causing great emotional or mental stimulation
enjoys the good food and stimulating conversation at his best friend's house
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in refreshing
having a renewing effect on the state of the body or mind
a brisk, stimulating walk on a bright, clear wintry day
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in provocative
serving or likely to arouse a strong reaction
an article containing a stimulating argument for raising, not lowering, the tax on gasoline
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in arousing
to give life, vigor, or spirit to
research into alternative energy sources has been stimulated by this funding increase
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in provoking
to rouse to strong feeling or action
the government crackdown has only stimulated the citizenry to more acts of violence
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of stimulating
Kristen Gasnick, Verywell Health, 6 May 2026
Some people are more sensitive to the stimulating effects of caffeine than others, which is largely determined by genetics.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 29 Apr. 2026
Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 June 2026
In a new study published in PLOS, researchers analyzed 161 fossils with a new rapid and non-destructive protocol, based on stimulating the bone remains with an external energy source, called luminescence.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 6 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for stimulating
Adjective
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
Some people are more sensitive to the stimulating effects of caffeine than others, which is largely determined by genetics.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
Apollo Neuro reviews have been piling up across the internet as more people try the wearable device that aims to rebalance the nervous system by stimulating the vagus nerve.
—Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 June 2026
In a new study published in PLOS, researchers analyzed 161 fossils with a new rapid and non-destructive protocol, based on stimulating the bone remains with an external energy source, called luminescence.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 6 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for stimulating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stimulating
Adjective
-
Both teams are on the field and ready to play as the whistle blows to begin the first half of what should be some exciting soccer here today.—
NBC News,
NBC news,
17 June 2026
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Other research has reinforced the idea that reframing a stressful challenge into an exciting opportunity can lead to better performance.—
Rustin Dodd,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
Adjective
-
For anyone who loves the look of heels but hates the discomfort that usually comes with them, these Vivaia mid-heels offer a refreshing alternative.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
11 June 2026
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How refreshing to have a MAGA insider repudiate the lies.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
Adjective
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Francesco Vezzoli has been making provocative and genre-breaking art—encompassing film and video, embroidery, sculpture, and photography; and often playing with notions of celebrity, glamour, and spectacle—for more than three decades.—
Corey Seymour,
Vogue,
9 Dec. 2025
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The provocative, genre-defying horror flick boasts unhinged gore, a delightfully dark sense of humor, an Oscar-worthy Amy Madigan as the creepiest aunt ever, and a crowd-pleasing finale.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
9 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Today, fiery Mars moves to the top of your chart to stay for the next six weeks, arousing your ambition as never before.—
Georgia Nichols,
Dallas Morning News,
10 Apr. 2026
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To avoid arousing suspicion, the mission was primarily carried out by ground forces with limited air support from helicopters, Trevilla said.—
Gonzalo Zegarra,
CNN Money,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Chris Young’s Beyond Earth column explores the intersection of space technology and policy, providing thought-provoking commentary on the latest advancements and regulatory developments in the sector.—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
15 June 2026
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Experts don’t fully agree on how helpful a low-histamine diet—which limits histamine-provoking foods—is for systemic mastocytosis.—
Gagandeep Brar,
Health,
11 June 2026
Adjective
-
Catch a show with a breathtaking backdrop.—
Tamara Gane,
Travel + Leisure,
15 June 2026
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Nina Dobrev put an unexpected—yet breathtaking—spin on the bridal trend on Saturday.—
Chanel Vargas,
InStyle,
14 June 2026
Adjective
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What Happens Next Greene is likely to continue stoking controversy by breaking with her party, as conversations around immigration remain charged and divisive.—
Alia Shoaib,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Oct. 2025
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For context, geomagnetic storms are caused by fiery eruptions from the sun's surface that send charged particles zipping toward our planet.—
Tom Brown,
Space.com,
20 May 2025
Verb
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The uprising became a turning point in the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights, energizing a new generation of activists and helping propel a movement that would reverberate far beyond New York.—
Diana Rodriguez,
Time,
8 June 2026
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Citrus Brasilis is bursting with mandarin, lemon, and bergamot, with an energizing kick courtesy of mint leaves.—
Ariel Wodarcyk,
InStyle,
4 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stimulating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stimulating. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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