stimulating

1 of 2

adjective

stim·​u·​lat·​ing ˈstim-yə-ˌlā-tiŋ 

: 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

stimulating

2 of 2

present participle of stimulate

Synonyms of stimulating

Adjective

• exciting
• breathtaking
• interesting
• thrilling
• intriguing
• inspiring

Examples of stimulating in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

These adaptogenics also cost as much, if not more, than alcoholic spirits, such as Three Spirit, which incorporates ingredients such as guayusa (stimulating effects), damiana (aphrodisiac effects) and valerian (stress-relieving effects). — Esther Tseng, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Sep. 2026

Often found in skin care products in light of their ability to proliferate collagen, peptides fare equally well in hair products by virtue of their follicle-stimulating, scalp-soothing benefits. — Sophie Wirt, InStyle, 17 Sep. 2026

Give highly stimulating content a place earlier in the evening. — Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 11 Sep. 2026

This is the time to do the intellectually stimulating things. — Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1645, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing stimulating

• colony-stimulating factor
• follicle-stimulating hormone
• hyper-stimulating
• melanocyte-stimulating hormone
• thyroid-stimulating hormone

Rhymes for stimulating

• abdicating
• abrogating
• activating
• actuating
• advocating
• aggravating
• aggregating
• agitating
• allocating
• alternating
• animating
• annotating