stimulant

noun

stim·​u·​lant ˈstim-yə-lənt 

1

: an agent (such as a drug) that produces a temporary increase of the functional activity or efficiency of an organism or any of its parts

2

: stimulus

3

: an alcoholic beverage

—not used technically

stimulant adjective

Synonyms of stimulant

• incentive
• stimulus
• impetus
• encouragement
• motivation

Examples of stimulant in a Sentence

The movie was a stimulant to discussion.

the relaxed zoning regulations should serve as a stimulant for development in the area

Recent Examples on the Web

The Enhanced Games also recently released substance-use data from its clinical trial, revealing that 91% of athletes used testosterone, 79% used HGH, 62% used stimulants such as Adderall, 50% used metabolic modulators, 41% used EPO and 29% used anabolic steroids. —Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 May 2026

But the company said competitors have used testosterone and testosterone esters, human growth hormones, stimulants like Adderall, metabolic modulators used alongside anabolic agents, erythropoietin, and anabolic steroid agents. —Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 22 May 2026

For Energy and Passion, Think Red Red is a natural stimulant, shown to boost energy and increase heart rate. —Petra Guglielmetti, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 May 2026

Stepping outside briefly recalibrates the suprachiasmatic nucleus and resets alertness without a stimulant. —Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 19 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1728, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

stimulant

noun

stim·​u·​lant ˈstim-yə-lənt 

1

: something (as a drug) that temporarily increases the activity or efficiency of the body or one of its parts

a heart stimulant

2

: stimulus sense 1

stimulant adjective

Medical Definition

stimulant

noun

stim·​u·​lant ˈstim-yə-lənt 

1

: an agent (as a drug) that produces a temporary increase of the functional activity or efficiency of an organism or any of its parts

2

: stimulus sense 2