1
as in incentive
something that arouses action or activity
the relaxed zoning regulations should serve as a stimulant for development in the area
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in alcohol
a distilled beverage that can make a person drunk
I always take a bottle of stimulant along on trips, for emergencies like plane crashes or earthquakes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in stimulating
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of stimulant
James Duesterberg, New Yorker, 18 Feb. 2026
Recreational use of stimulants and performance-enhancing drugs, and high doses of caffeine, can also exacerbate heart issues.
—CBS News, 18 Feb. 2026
New Atlas, 3 Jan. 2026
Someone camped illegally within 150 feet of the Creek Trail and was under the influence of a central nervous system stimulant.
—Jake Richardson, Mercury News, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stimulant
Noun
By 1998, burnt out on stimulants and anticipating a Y2K apocalypse, Land had a breakdown, left academia, and dropped off the map.
—James Duesterberg, New Yorker, 18 Feb. 2026
Recreational use of stimulants and performance-enhancing drugs, and high doses of caffeine, can also exacerbate heart issues.
—CBS News, 18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
To determine whether the effects were specific to ADHD, the team also conducted a smaller follow-up experiment in adults without ADHD, administering stimulant medication and scanning their brains.
—New Atlas, 3 Jan. 2026
Someone camped illegally within 150 feet of the Creek Trail and was under the influence of a central nervous system stimulant.
—Jake Richardson, Mercury News, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stimulant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stimulant
Noun
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Carolyn McCrady, member of GARD, said the organization wants Gary to enact a one-year moratorium on data center considerations, specifically because of the lack of transparency, tax incentives, environmental impact, and the lack of job creation.—
Maya Wilkins,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Mar. 2026
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Planning for a future Winter Olympics could even provide the incentive — and deadline — to improve this corridor, already one of Amtrak’s busiest sections.—
Robert Carroll,
New York Daily News,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The operator of the e-scooter was arrested on suspicion of operating a bicycle under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs and DUI causing bodily injury, after officers conducted several field sobriety tests, police said.—
Jose Fabian,
CBS News,
11 Mar. 2026
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Astronomers studying the interstellar visitor 3I/ATLAS have discovered the comet is unusually rich in alcohol — a chemical clue that could reveal how planets and icy bodies form around other stars.—
Samantha Mathewson,
Space.com,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Chuck Reger, franchise business coach at Five Star Painting, says bright red is highly stimulating and naturally increases alertness.—
Natasha Bazika,
Martha Stewart,
7 Mar. 2026
-
American ginseng has a slightly different chemical makeup and is considered less stimulating than its Asian counterpart.—
PubSubHub User,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Our market reacts to rate cuts more than any other stimulus.—
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
8 Mar. 2026
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But economists expressed disappointment over the government’s limited stimulus.—
John Liu,
CNN Money,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The city of Aurora is working to establish rules around the sale of liquor and other alcohol at the new Hollywood Casino resort, which is set to open within the next few months.—
R. Christian Smith,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Mar. 2026
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The one-time extension does not affect Sunday alcohol sale hours for liquor, grocery or convenience stores.—
Chris Sims,
IndyStar,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
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That entrepreneurial bent was a major impetus behind For Denver FC’s earliest efforts—along with a love of the game and gender-equity activism.—
Luke Cyphers,
Sportico.com,
12 Mar. 2026
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And that gave William the impetus and the confidence to go forward and cement his relationship with Catherine.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Snack areas on each floor provide a limitless supply of drinks and goodies to hungry children (or grown-ups).—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 Mar. 2026
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There’s also a drinks list filled with Japanese whiskies and enticing cocktails, as well as a collection of sakes.—
The Week UK,
TheWeek,
12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Ahead, explore 20 green nail ideas for spring that feel fresh and invigorating.—
Ariel Wodarcyk,
InStyle,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Mint and eucalyptus blends can feel especially invigorating; citrus-forward scents help cut through mental fog.—
Allison Hatfield,
Dallas Morning News,
25 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stimulant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stimulant. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.
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