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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 Regulates Appetite Magnesium stimulates the small intestine to release a hormone called cholecystokinin (CCK). Devineé Lingo, Health, 22 Oct. 2025 The result backs earlier research in animals showing that environments that stimulate the brain can increase levels of certain neurotransmitters. Jon Hamilton, NPR, 22 Oct. 2025 The chip converts the light into an electrical current, which stimulates the remaining healthy cells in the macula in a realistic way, enabling the brain to interpret signals the cells send as vision. David Cox, NBC news, 20 Oct. 2025 Pneumococcal vaccines work by stimulating an immune system response to pneumonia bacteria. Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 20 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stimulate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stimulate
Verb
  • Certainly, they are aroused by the concept of being ruinously in its thrall.
    Daniel Kolitz, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Yet the calmness of these denials aroused American suspicion.
    Big Think, Big Think, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Not retaining his services would have provoked outrage.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • But the forcefulness of pastors' rhetoric about Kirk has provoked conflicting feelings for some believers.
    Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Cocchi Vermouth di Torino 3 dashes Angostura Bitters For this cocktail and the additional recipes below, add ingredients to mixing glass, stir on ice for 15 seconds (small ice) to 30 seconds (bigger ice).
    Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Cover and reduce heat to medium-low; simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld, about 15 minutes.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Ultimately, the moment encouraged the Soviet population to agitate for household comforts.
    Justin Worland, Time, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Building a bat house can encourage them to stick around a little longer and eat up all those pesky insects.
    Kirsten Fiscus, Nashville Tennessean, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • With the sun officially energizing your 10th house of boss moves, Scorpio season puts your ambitions and public persona under the spotlight.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
  • If elected, Ford would become Nevada’s first Black governor—a milestone that could energize parts of the Democratic base, but may not be enough to overcome the state’s shifting political dynamics.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Its success inspired a wave of canal building in other states, although the economic benefit of these other canals is dubious in retrospect.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 26 Oct. 2025
  • The aftermath of that crash inspired her branch of the Brown family tree to reshape the Louisville medical scene.
    Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 26 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The wines from this trajectory highlight labrusca, a different Vitis species that has invigorated drinkers, particularly in North America.
    Osayi Endolyn, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Does the atmosphere relax or invigorate?
    Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Street Kings is bland, forgettable pulp — Reeves doesn’t enliven it, getting buried along with the rest of a fine ensemble that includes Forest Whitaker, Hugh Laurie, and a pre-Captain America Chris Evans.
    Tim Grierson, Vulture, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Hendersonville also has a first-rate downtown with museums, shops, and restaurants to enliven a weekend trip.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 2 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Stimulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stimulate. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.

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