1
as in exciting
causing great emotional or mental stimulation
enjoys the good food and stimulating conversation at his best friend's house
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in refreshing
having a renewing effect on the state of the body or mind
a brisk, stimulating walk on a bright, clear wintry day
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in provocative
serving or likely to arouse a strong reaction
an article containing a stimulating argument for raising, not lowering, the tax on gasoline
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in arousing
to give life, vigor, or spirit to
research into alternative energy sources has been stimulated by this funding increase
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in provoking
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
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 stimulating
Kristen Gasnick, Verywell Health, 6 May 2026
Some people are more sensitive to the stimulating effects of caffeine than others, which is largely determined by genetics.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 29 Apr. 2026
Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
Researchers say these hobbies may support healthy aging by reducing stress and stimulating the brain in unique ways.
—Allison Forsyth, Health, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for stimulating
Adjective
This means that the stimulating effects of coffee increase the rate at which the kidneys filter the blood and fill up the bladder.
—Kristen Gasnick, Verywell Health, 6 May 2026
Some people are more sensitive to the stimulating effects of caffeine than others, which is largely determined by genetics.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
For CEOs, CHROs, and transformation leads wrestling with AI disruption, hybrid work, and unrelenting competition, The Octopus Organization is stimulating reading.
—Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
Researchers say these hobbies may support healthy aging by reducing stress and stimulating the brain in unique ways.
—Allison Forsyth, Health, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for stimulating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stimulating
Adjective
-
For a culture hit, there’s the contemporary Saatchi Gallery in Duke of York Square and the nearby Royal Court theatre, known for championing exciting, up-and-coming playwrights.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
Experience magic as the aquarium comes alive with glowing corals and exciting live performances.—
Kayla Rivera,
AJC.com,
2 June 2026
Adjective
-
In the current era of Big Brother, in which one big alliance ofetn mows down the rest of the house with little-to-no resistance, revisiting a season-long duel between two distinct teams is even more refreshing.—
Dalton Ross,
Entertainment Weekly,
4 June 2026
-
Moss is paired with sea salt for a subtle briny funk, while herbaceous sage, warm vetiver, and airy musk leave the scent light and refreshing.—
Kara Jillian Brown,
InStyle,
3 June 2026
Adjective
-
Make your kick-off intriguing or provocative to inspire viewers to read on.—
William Arruda,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
-
And not all of his merchandise is provocative.—
Lyz Lenz,
Rolling Stone,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
Today, fiery Mars moves to the top of your chart to stay for the next six weeks, arousing your ambition as never before.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
9 Apr. 2026
-
No clear catalyst One reason the surge in oil futures trading is arousing suspicion is that no market-moving announcements were slated for Monday morning, such as government economic releases or speeches from Federal Reserve officials.—
Aimee Picchi,
CBS News,
24 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The Lounge hosts rotating art exhibits, spotlighting thought-provoking pieces like ceramics from Thai artist Bathma Kaew-Ngok and showstopping floral arrangements by Naomi Daimaru.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
For years, people took photos of themselves on the 666 to Hel and shared them on social media, relishing the coincidence of a bus to a beach resort provoking mental images of damnation, thanks to the similarity of the town's name to the English word hell.—
Anna Noryskiewicz,
CBS News,
1 June 2026
Adjective
-
River Bend Overlook A bend in the Little Missouri River gives this overlook its name, which also flaunts breathtaking, panoramic views of the North Unit's badlands.—
Julia Sayers Gokhale,
Midwest Living,
1 June 2026
-
Astronauts on the International Space Station are usually immersed in groundbreaking science experiments or witnessing breathtaking cosmic sights – not showcasing their skills in the culinary arts.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
1 June 2026
Adjective
-
At a charged political moment, her relatively sober look seemed intended to keep the focus on POTUS.—
Vogue,
Vogue,
12 Dec. 2025
-
What Happens Next Greene is likely to continue stoking controversy by breaking with her party, as conversations around immigration remain charged and divisive.—
Alia Shoaib,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
With the sun energizing your friendships and 11th house of community, and Saturn activating your ninth house of adventure, you’re being called to think bigger but also work smarter.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
2 June 2026
-
Pink and yellow make such an energizing summer color combo.—
Ariel Wodarcyk,
InStyle,
1 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stimulating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stimulating. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
