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.
For example, low-quality digital use, including mindless scrolling, autoplay videos, frequent notifications and algorithms that push extreme or harmful material, can be highly stimulating but may lead to poor sleep, attention difficulties, academic challenges, and emotional regulation problems. Dr. Tyler Beauchamp, ABC News, 20 Jan. 2026 As a companion animal, Veronika, now 13 years old, has lived a long life in a stimulating environment. Kate Wong, Scientific American, 19 Jan. 2026 Research has found that caffeine, the bitter stimulating substance found in coffee and some types of tea, may temporarily increase blood pressure, especially in people who don't frequently consume caffeine. Laura Schober, Health, 16 Jan. 2026 It was meant to sterilize camels but had a stimulating effect on women 16 to 32. Niela Orr, Vulture, 13 Jan. 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 25 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on stimulating

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!