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.
Isaacson sometimes recommends his patients even try a cognitively stimulating activity while exercising, such as taking a meeting while walking or doing cognitive training on a stationary bike. Akshay Syal, NBC news, 9 Feb. 2026 Gates has assembled a stimulating, illuminating, maddening, saddening, but often inspiring, story of their relations with the world and one another. Robert Lloyd, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2026 Gates has assembled a stimulating, illuminating, maddening, saddening, but often inspiring, story of their relations with the world and one another. Robert Lloyd, Houston Chronicle, 4 Feb. 2026 Gates has assembled a stimulating, illuminating, maddening, saddening, but often inspiring, story of their relations with the world and one another. Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stimulating.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stimulating. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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