stimulating

adjective

stim·​u·​lat·​ing ˈstim-yə-ˌlā-tiŋ How to pronounce stimulating (audio)
: 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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web From there, the intermittent audience participation — including a potent thought exercise with the pencil and paper — is optional but, for those who take part, emotionally stimulating. Thomas Floyd, Washington Post, 7 Apr. 2023 Songs with slower tempos tend to reduce heart rate and respiration while faster music can be more stimulating. Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 6 Apr. 2023 Bar Spero is experiential, stimulating, unexpected. Alyson Sheppard, Robb Report, 15 Sep. 2022 Before dozing off, dim the light and avoid entertainment that’s too stimulating, as well as the blue light that emits from smart devices. Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 29 Aug. 2022 This is one activity that is fun, mentally stimulating, creative, and doesn't even involve Halloween candy. Olivia Muenter, Woman's Day, 7 July 2022 Coincidentally, that aligns with the rapid expansion of Hyundai's N performance subbrand, which makes many of its mainstream models more emotionally stimulating. Eric Stafford, Car and Driver, 22 Feb. 2022 The way their interactions transformed online emphasized the significance of the pretense in gaming of feeling authentic and stimulating. Jamie Valentino, Wired, 22 June 2021 To me, this is one of the most stimulating hunt seasons of the year. Charles Elliott, Outdoor Life, 20 Mar. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'stimulating.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1645, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stimulating was in 1645

Dictionary Entries Near stimulating

Cite this Entry

“Stimulating.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stimulating. Accessed 28 May. 2023.

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