STIMULATES Synonyms: 161 Similar and Opposite Words

stimulates

verb

present tense third-person singular of stimulate

as in arouses

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 provokes

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

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 stimulates Pruning stimulates new growth, and those new leaves are leaf miners’ favorite, so the problem will only get worse. —

Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2026 Pedunculagin stimulates the release of enzymes that trigger NO synthesis, thereby reducing blood pressure as NO levels increase. —

Md Published, Verywell Health, 28 Apr. 2026 Two colors associated with a cloudless summer's day, blue conjures a sense of tranquility, freshness, and clarity of thought, while yellow stimulates positive energy, creativity, and open communication. —

Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Apr. 2026 Moisture Moist soil holds heat better than dry soil, and the combination of heat and moisture is what stimulates seeds to sprout. —

Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 20 Apr. 2026 Fortunately, certain types of mushrooms are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light during or after harvesting, which stimulates vitamin D production in the mushrooms. —

Jillian Kubala, Health, 6 Apr. 2026 This molecule directly stimulates bone-building cells, helping increase bone density and strength. —

Hadia Zainab, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2026 Belber said the event traditionally stimulates the local economy, bringing visitors into hotels, bars, restaurants and retail shops, not to mention the prestige of highlighting the city of Albany in a tournament that draws international broadcast viewers. —

Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 29 Mar. 2026 Because alcohol consumption likewise stimulates the brain’s reward pathways partly through endogenous opioid signaling, naltrexone also reduces the rewarding sensations associated with drinking and can diminish the urge to continue drinking. —

Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 Mar. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stimulates

Verb

More than three devices is considered a cluster that arouses interest.

— Carolyn Forché, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2025
That intense scarcity arouses a FOMO among very wealthy car lovers that allows Ferrari to charge prices like $250,000 for one of its entry-level cars, and $3 million for a hypercar like its F80.

— Phil Wahba, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025