stimulant 1 of 2

noun

ˈstim-yə-lənt How to pronounce stimulant (audio)
Definition of stimulantnext
1
as in incentive
something that arouses action or activity the relaxed zoning regulations should serve as a stimulant for development in the area

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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

stimulant

2 of 2

adjective

as in stimulating

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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 stimulant
Noun
And just as chemical stimulants such as caffeine and Adderall can interfere with sleep, so, too, can excessive meditation. — Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2026 The former campaign manager gave law enforcement a nylon glove containing powder cocaine and a 20-milligram tablet of Adderall, a prescription stimulant that contains amphetamines. — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026
Adjective
Trash is strewn everywhere; people addicted to the cheap stimulant basuco, derived from cocaine-production residue, lumber around in varying states of distress. — Mattha Busby, Rolling Stone, 19 Aug. 2026 Black market Yaba is a street name for pills containing methamphetamine, a powerful, highly addictive stimulant. — Chas Newkey-Burden, TheWeek, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stimulant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stimulant
  1. incentive
  2. alcohol
  3. stimulating
  4. stimulus
  5. liquor
  6. energizing
  7. impetus
  8. drink
Noun
  • Strong demand for oil, particularly from Asia, continues to provide an incentive for tanker operators to transport energy supplies from the Persian Gulf, even as security threats complicate voyages.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026
  • But Sawie emphasized that this work is just part of the solution, noting that real progress can’t be made until farmers have access to reliable markets and incentives that recognize the work put into transitioning to organic practices.
    — Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of incentive
Noun
  • The risk that alcohol consumption will recover slowly strengthens the case for diversification.
    — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 16 Oct. 2026
  • According to the suit, Jane Doe was beset by seven men while she was incapacitated by drugs and alcohol.
    — Anahid Nersessian, New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of alcohol
Adjective
  • Those who understand quickly move forward, while those who need more time, a different explanation or a less stimulating environment can easily fall behind.
    — Irma Davarashvili, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026
  • 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
Definition of stimulating
Noun
  • The Fed slashed its benchmark interest rate to near zero, but the economy still needed stimulus.
    — Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The leaders who are willing to pause between stimulus and response create sustainable change.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of stimulus
Noun
  • Counters and tables covered with gunk and what looked like marijuana and empty beer and liquor bottles around.
    — Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026
  • New ownership would have the option to keep Lindy’s running, rebrand it as something fresh — or, essentially, any other possibility under the sun for the property, building and liquor license.
    — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of liquor
Adjective
  • Really, the most energizing part of the movie is its surprise subject matter.
    — Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026
  • For example, lavender is said to have a calming effect, while citrus scents will seem more energizing and lively.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 17 June 2026
Definition of energizing
Noun
  • The impetus for Whalefall came from a viral video in which a kayaker ended up in the mouth of a whale.
    — Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026
  • So, if your travels find you in Milan before 2027 kicks off, consider this your impetus to go ahead and book that room.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of impetus
Noun
  • With six couples, having two separate houses gave us space to spread out while keeping everyone close enough to gather for dinner, drinks, and games.
    — Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Many consumers are drinking less or buying ready-to-drink beverages such as beer and canned cocktails.
    — Lizzie Kane, Sacbee.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of drink

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stimes
stimulant
stimulants
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Cite this Entry

“Stimulant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stimulant. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on stimulant

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about stimulant

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