STIMULATE Synonyms: 161 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

stimulate

verb

ˈstim-yə-ˌlāt

Definition of stimulate next

as in to arouse

to give life, vigor, or spirit to research into alternative energy sources has been stimulated by this funding increase

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to provoke

to rouse to strong feeling or action the government crackdown has only stimulated the citizenry to more acts of violence

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 According to Natacha Bonjout, French pharmacist and founder of Bonjout Beauty, the ingredient is based on plant extract Anemarrhena asphodeloides root, which is rich in sarsasapogenin to stimulate fat cells. —

Audrey Noble, Vogue, 29 Jan. 2026 This could take the form of an especially enjoyable trip full of interesting conversations, a spiritual experience that uplifts you, or learning that stimulates your mind. —

Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Jan. 2026 Some might find this stifling or claustrophobic, but being forced to live together day by day may also stimulate openness and mutual respect. —

Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 29 Jan. 2026 In addition to this, the medical tool has demonstrated immense potential with regard to stimulating healing for injuries, as well as helping to heal bone injuries more effectively. —

William Jones, jsonline.com, 28 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stimulate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stimulate

Verb

Research shows that when partners are physiologically aroused due to emotional overwhelm per minute during conflict, problem solving and empathy decline sharply.

— Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
Algorithms tend to prioritize emotionally arousing content, particularly anger, anxiety and outrage.

— Robin Pickering, The Conversation, 21 Jan. 2026

Definition of arouse

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stimulants

stimulate

stimulated

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“Stimulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stimulate. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.

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Last Updated: 31 Jan 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of stimulate

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