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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb stimulate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of stimulate are excite, pique, provoke, and quicken. While all these words mean "to arouse as if by pricking," stimulate suggests a rousing out of lethargy, quiescence, or indifference.

stimulating conversation

When would excite be a good substitute for stimulate?

While the synonyms excite and stimulate are close in meaning, excite implies a stirring up or moving profoundly.

news that excited anger and frustration

In what contexts can pique take the place of stimulate?

In some situations, the words pique and stimulate are roughly equivalent. However, pique suggests stimulating by mild irritation or challenge.

that remark piqued my interest

When might provoke be a better fit than stimulate?

The words provoke and stimulate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, provoke directs attention to the response called forth.

my stories usually provoke laughter

When can quicken be used instead of stimulate?

The meanings of quicken and stimulate largely overlap; however, quicken implies beneficially stimulating and making active or lively.

the high salary quickened her desire to have the job

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of stimulate Looking for stimulating yet inexpensive things to do with your family in September? Jim Higgins, jsonline.com, 23 Aug. 2025 Don't prune evergreens in fall, which can stimulate the shrubs to produce tender, new growth too late in the year. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 20 Aug. 2025 McIlhenny did, after all, claim credit for the deed, having bought twenty nutrias in the late Thirties in a bid to stimulate the local fur trade. Nathaniel Rich, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025 Typically, a sluggish economy leads to low inflation, allowing the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates to stimulate more borrowing and activity. Paul Davidson, USA Today, 16 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stimulate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stimulate
Verb
  • With Mars high in your chart, your ambition is aroused.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 11 Aug. 2025
  • Once the deed is done, the robbers need to find someone to smelt the gold (or do it themselves, a difficult and time-intensive process), and then find someone else to buy it from them, all without arousing suspicion.
    Air Mail, Air Mail, 2 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The defense also claimed that the two men Kemp shot at provoked the shooting by stealing Kemp’s truck, his cellphone and memorabilia in Seattle.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2025
  • The work had been set to appear in Sherald’s solo exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery; on learning that the museum wished to remove the painting from the show to avoid provoking Trump, the artist canceled the exhibition.
    News Desk, Artforum, 22 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Combine the vinegar and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sugar dissolves.
    Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 15 Aug. 2025
  • But when temptation stirs and hearts wander, the whole town gets caught up in a swirl of romance, mischief and melody.
    Leia Mendoza, Variety, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Those ordinary demands may encourage AI use even more.
    Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 17 Aug. 2025
  • Are there opportunities for workshops for parents? Innovation Balance: Do policies encourage responsible experimentation or only focus on restrictions?
    Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • At the same time, Beverage Director Caterina Mirabelli is energized by new varietals and emerging styles.
    Chelsea Davis, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
  • For months, Tucker demonstrated his skills as a five-tool player and energized teammates with his easy confidence, living up to all the hype.
    Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Its grille inspired the 1998 Chrysler Chronos concept car and the sensational 2005 Chrysler 300.
    Mark Phelan, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2025
  • Like many, you’re likely inspired by Tracee Ellis Ross’s take on solo trips and itching to book your own.
    Akili King, Essence, 19 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Some of the events allow the audience a chance to participate, but the whole festival is designed to invigorating and inviting and progressive, enhanced by most of it taking place outdoors in Summertime.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2025
  • Reading his experience of these raptures is invigorating and often hilarious.
    Book Marks August 1, Literary Hub, 1 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Spirit Halloween, the ephemeral seasonal retailer that haunts vacant stores nationally each year, will enliven the darkened voids of six suburban Milwaukee stores in September and October.
    Jim Riccioli, jsonline.com, 9 Aug. 2025
  • The idea itself is a science fiction trope in its own right, enlivened by idiosyncratic details and a host of strong performances.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 5 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Stimulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stimulate. Accessed 31 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on stimulate

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