1
2
as in to shift
to change one's position
the cat stirred, then opened its eyes and slowly got to its feet
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to provoke
to rouse to strong feeling or action
news coverage of the fire stirred many to send donations to a fund for the families who had lost their homes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in commotion
a state of noisy, confused activity
the plane's first jolt caused a stir among the passengers, and by the third one they were in a panic
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in shifting
the act or an instance of changing position
we were warned that the slightest stir would scare the mother bird so we hardly dared to breathe
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in jail
a place of confinement for persons held in lawful custody
the mule had just got out of stir and was being followed by the feds, who had their sights set on the kingpin of the operation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 stir
Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
The post, shared by u/wasnapping in the r/mildlyinfuriating subreddit, has garnered 43,000 upvotes since it was posted on September 11, stirring a spirited debate about entitlement, etiquette, and the limits of neighborly requests.
—Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
Erik Pedersen, Oc Register, 5 Sep. 2025
When season 1 premiered, Noah and Joanne’s first kiss caused quite the stir.
—EW.com, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stir
Verb
His assassination in Utah this week has left the country reeling, stirring questions about the state of democracy due to the rise of ideological polarization and political violence that many fear threatens the pillars of unfettered free speech and other constitutional rights.
—Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
The post, shared by u/wasnapping in the r/mildlyinfuriating subreddit, has garnered 43,000 upvotes since it was posted on September 11, stirring a spirited debate about entitlement, etiquette, and the limits of neighborly requests.
—Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
For Mimi Pond, the desire to do a book about the Mitford sisters – six larger-than-life British eccentrics (and one brother) who created a stir in both British and American culture – was obvious.
—Erik Pedersen, Oc Register, 5 Sep. 2025
When season 1 premiered, Noah and Joanne’s first kiss caused quite the stir.
—EW.com, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stir
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stir
Verb
-
The bristles are neither too floppy nor too stiff, neither too long nor too short, and are cut to the perfect rounded shape that’s just right for swirling pigment over the apples or spreading it along your cheekbones—without having to work too hard for a completely natural finish.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
-
These familiar, turbulent morasses of swirling droplets continue to stymie scientists.—
Joseph Howlett,
Quanta Magazine,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
China's export mix is shifting.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Nonetheless, with policy in restrictive territory, the baseline outlook and the shifting balance of risks may warrant adjusting our policy stance.—
Adeola Adeosun
Robert Birsel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Gutman's comment have provoked backlash on social media, with some calling for him to be fired from his role.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
-
Prolonged isolation in detention can provoke psychological symptoms, including paranoia, PTSD and depression, that can lead to suicide, Peeler said.—
Lauren Villagran,
USA Today,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Yet a surprisingly large number of dishes that are washed end up being washed by hand.—
Jeremy Lott,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Indeed, rather than making the dog wash by himself, Osmin stood under the shower head and had to hold Buddah in his arms the entire time.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Plants can’t move like people do, so they are exposed to the sun all day long, Fuller said.—
Saleen Martin,
USA Today,
14 Sep. 2025
-
Both offenses are moving with little resistance thus far.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
14 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Readers should not rely solely on the content of this article and are encouraged to seek professional advice tailored to their specific circumstances.—
Lyssanoel Frater,
USA Today,
12 Sep. 2025
-
The Associated Press reported that Robinson’s father recognized his son from the images released by law enforcement, and then encouraged his son to turn himself in.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Qabylqai was cuffed, hooded, and whisked to a camp, where cameras watched her day and night, even peering at her naked body in the toilet.—
Sheryl Estrada,
Fortune,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Metrolink can whisk Angelenos to Ventura, bring Orange County residents to the Inland Empire, San Bernardino locals to Antelope Valley, and take riders headed to San Diego as far as the Oceanside station for a transfer to the Coaster or Amtrak service for destinations farther south.—
Liz Ohanesian,
Oc Register,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
At the same time, playful responsiveness stimulates the vagus nerve, a key part of the parasympathetic nervous system linked to relaxation and safety.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Salmon Salmon is rich in omega-3 and vitamin D, and helps to stimulate collagen production within the skin.—
Alessandra Signorelli,
Vogue,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stir.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stir. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share