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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stimulating
Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 21 Mar. 2025
Following a year of whispers, of suggestions that PIF’s interest was waning, the noises are that PIF has privately reasserted its wider ambitions — which Eales’ successor will be tasked with achieving longer-term — something which has had a stimulating effect behind the scenes.
—Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 18 Mar. 2025
Ruth Jessen Hickman, Md, Health, 23 Dec. 2024
Clomid, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, and Letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor, both work by signaling FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) in the brain to make more eggs, says Ahmad.
—Fiorella Valdesolo, Vogue, 20 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for stimulating
Adjective
While sharing memories of his experiences across his filmography, Fassbender recalls that his horse had a stimulating reaction to his presence.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 21 Mar. 2025
Following a year of whispers, of suggestions that PIF’s interest was waning, the noises are that PIF has privately reasserted its wider ambitions — which Eales’ successor will be tasked with achieving longer-term — something which has had a stimulating effect behind the scenes.
—Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 18 Mar. 2025
Verb
These blood tests might include a complete blood count; a metabolic panel; and tests for fasting blood glucose, thyroid stimulating hormone, and vitamin B12 levels.
—Ruth Jessen Hickman, Md, Health, 23 Dec. 2024
Clomid, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, and Letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor, both work by signaling FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) in the brain to make more eggs, says Ahmad.
—Fiorella Valdesolo, Vogue, 20 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for stimulating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stimulating
Adjective
-
While seemingly indifferent, like Yi-young, Gi-on actually finds the department exciting and wants to stay.—
Kayti Burt,
Time,
19 May 2025
-
There were a variety of topics covered today, including what the ramifications of failing to qualify for the Champions League would be, who should replace Alexander Isak against Everton if the striker is declared unfit, Sean Longstaff's future, and whether exciting, marquee signings will arrive.—
Chris Waugh,
New York Times,
19 May 2025
Adjective
-
Pineapple can be a refreshing and beneficial addition to your meals when eaten in moderation and paired with a healthy diet and exercise.—
Sarah Jividen,
Verywell Health,
9 May 2025
-
Ken is reliable and refreshing, just like this riff on the Tom Collins.—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
EW.com,
8 May 2025
Adjective
-
Once best known for his satirical workplace humor, Adams became increasingly associated with provocative views, especially after embracing Trump during the 2016 election.—
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 May 2025
-
These sparks can take many forms, such as a provocative article, a keynote speech that challenges conventional thinking, a compelling podcast interview or even a viral social media post.—
John Knotts,
Forbes.com,
19 May 2025
Verb
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This will deepen the divide between the global North and South on issues of race and cultural difference, straining the West’s diplomatic relations with countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America while provoking broader resentment toward Western countries seen as perpetuating racial hierarchies.—
Matias Spektor,
Foreign Affairs,
7 Jan. 2025
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In 2008, the United States suggested that Georgia and Ukraine might eventually join the alliance but offered no concrete path to membership, thus provoking Russia without effectively deterring it.—
Michael Beckley,
Foreign Affairs,
7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Tim Duncan has 37 points and 16 rebounds, and Tony Parker adds 27 points to help the San Antonio Spurs overpower the Lakers 110-82 to win the Western Conference semifinal series 4-2. 2004 — With one breathtaking surge, Smarty Jones posts a record 11½-length victory in the Preakness.—
Houston Mitchell,
Los Angeles Times,
15 May 2025
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Known for her boundary-pushing creativity and breathtaking stage presence, Taylor will also be spearheading the creative direction for the 106 & Park 25th Anniversary Tribute.—
Shelby Stewart,
Essence,
15 May 2025
Adjective
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The ceremony came at a charged moment, coinciding with Columbia University canceling its graduation ceremony (and largely closing off its campus).—
David Matthews,
New York Daily News,
6 May 2024
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Of course, genocide is a charged and redolent term, recalling the systematic precision of the Holocaust and the society-wide butchery of the Rwandan genocide.—
Kristina Hook,
Foreign Affairs,
28 July 2022
Verb
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On April 18, the red planet will return to your sign, energizing and revitalizing you after a long retrograde cycle.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
20 Mar. 2025
-
On top of the sun energizing your stability-seeking second house of money and values, the moon in Sagittarius highlights everything from your career to your sense of authority.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
20 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Thursday’s swings also hit the bond market, which had been showing encouraging signals earlier in the day that stress may be easing.—
Time,
Time,
11 Apr. 2025
-
Kym was the one sneaking them onto rec teams and encouraging them to join AAU programs.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stimulating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stimulating. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
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