1
as in to arouse
to give life, vigor, or spirit to
research into alternative energy sources has been stimulated by this funding increase
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to provoke
to rouse to strong feeling or action
the government crackdown has only stimulated the citizenry to more acts of violence
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stimulate
Slow-breathing exercises — particularly extending the exhale — directly stimulate the vagus nerve.
—
Amy Cuddy, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2026
The answer mattered because the hormone, produced by the pituitary gland, stimulates the thyroid to release its own hormones.
—Samantha Bonsack, STAT, 18 Feb. 2026
Among the best places to visit in Puerto Rico are its rare bioluminescent bays, where the water appears to glow at night thanks to microscopic organisms that are stimulated by movement.
—Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 17 Feb. 2026
The course produced an environment where participants can interact with one another to stimulate social adaptation, according to its founders.
—Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stimulate
Amy Cuddy, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2026
The answer mattered because the hormone, produced by the pituitary gland, stimulates the thyroid to release its own hormones.
—Samantha Bonsack, STAT, 18 Feb. 2026
Among the best places to visit in Puerto Rico are its rare bioluminescent bays, where the water appears to glow at night thanks to microscopic organisms that are stimulated by movement.
—Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 17 Feb. 2026
The course produced an environment where participants can interact with one another to stimulate social adaptation, according to its founders.
—Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stimulate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stimulate
Verb
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As his health dwindled, Proust took a particular interest in the case of an Irish revolutionary that aroused much public sympathy in France and elsewhere during the War of Independence.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
2 Feb. 2026
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This coming game has aroused a great deal of interest throughout the state, and many will go to Athens to witness the event and wear the colors of their favorite team.—
AJ Willingham,
AJC.com,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Frederick Wiseman, the pioneering documentary filmmaker whose penetrating, observational depictions of public institutions raised ethical issues and provoked social examination, has died.—
Duane Byrge,
HollywoodReporter,
16 Feb. 2026
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As tariffs provoke backlash and global trade uncertainty, markets for Texas exports have been curtailed, clipping the wings of our economy.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Austin is only home to one professional sports team — Austin FC — so the Spurs games help stir the capital city’s sports fandom.—
Julianna Duennes Russ,
Austin American Statesman,
19 Feb. 2026
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From pioneers such as Ma Rainey and Curley Weaver to icons James Brown, Little Richard, Otis Redding and Ray Charles — who used the blues to fuel their legendary soul careers — Georgia’s scene is stirring.—
DeAsia Paige,
AJC.com,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Your 7th House of Partnership steadies as boundary-setting Saturn arrives, encouraging clear agreements across your closest bonds so your diplomatic style can bring fairness without overgiving.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Feb. 2026
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The evening was more about the vibe; Gelman encourages all guests to dress up in fancy cocktail attire.—
Rachel Syme,
New Yorker,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Those films are inextricable from the question of access and its implications, both practical and legal—and the resulting tensions energize Depardon’s filmmaking aesthetic.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
19 Feb. 2026
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The result is a flavorful and fruity mix that promises to hydrate and energize its consumer, according to the brand.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Ahead, shop the outfits inspired by the Love Story costumes and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s closet.—
Kristina Rutkowski,
Vogue,
20 Feb. 2026
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The 139 rooms, suites, and residences are done up in neutral earth tones inspired by the hotel’s natural setting; most have terraces and balconies with mountain views.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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But even a bit of progress here would help invigorate them.—
Matt Gelb,
New York Times,
11 Feb. 2026
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Book the Pampering Ritual, an invigorating body scrub and wrap that utilises Ceylon coconut, honey, tea, and coffee.—
Harriet Compston,
Condé Nast Traveler,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The seltzer leavens it, enlivens it, puts room between the flavors where the room is needed most, and turns a derivative and mediocre drink into a fascinating and bizarre one.—
Jeremy Repanich,
Robb Report,
14 Feb. 2026
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Her jokester father worked for a railway; her realtor mother was a gifted mimic whose impressions of clients enlivened family dinners.—
The Week US,
TheWeek,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stimulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stimulate. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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