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

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.
Preparation for change Encountering the new environment Adapting to it over time Much like school transitions, returning from travel involves shifting from an exciting and stimulating environment back to routine life. Mark Travers, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025 Indeed, the toy may be marketed as—and named for—its G-spot stimulating capabilities, but the tip also works wonders on your external erogenous zones. Gabrielle Kassel, Glamour, 14 Mar. 2025 The Anatomy of the Horses takes the viewer on a visually and intellectually stimulating journey through the space-time continuum, during which director Daniel Vidal Toche reflects upon whether the struggle against oppression and exploitation in Peru will ever come to an end. Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 3 June 2025 Join The Charlotte Observer and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library on Wednesday, June 18 on for a stimulating tactical discussion about Juneteenth. Lisa Vernon Sparks, Charlotte Observer, 30 May 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Stimulating.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stimulating. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

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