stimulating 1 of 2

adjective

ˈstim-yə-ˌlā-tiŋ How to pronounce stimulating (audio)
Definition of stimulatingnext
1
as in exciting
causing great emotional or mental stimulation enjoys the good food and stimulating conversation at his best friend's house

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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

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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

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stimulating

2 of 2

verb

present participle of stimulate
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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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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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
Adjective
That’s really the most stimulating, but not necessarily on camera. — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 11 Aug. 2026 The study doesn’t prove that mentally stimulating activities protect the brain, but the findings fit with a growing body of research suggesting that cognitive engagement helps reduce the risk of dementia. — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
Verb
Indeed, European funds have been fundamental for Spain, and the Recovery Plan has played a key role in driving major structural reforms and stimulating economic growth. — John Hopewell, Variety, 20 Sep. 2026 Direct inhibitory currents appeared in a third of cells two millimeters out, and stimulating the visual cortex had measurable effects as far as frontal motor areas. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stimulating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stimulating
  1. exciting
  2. refreshing
  3. provocative
  4. arousing
  5. provoking
  6. breathtaking
  7. charged
  8. energizing
Adjective
  • Reminiscent in some ways of Sidney Lumet’s landmark first feature, 12 Angry Men, McCarthy finds an exciting way to shoot this tight room without ever being rote.
    — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Nothing terribly exciting is happening inside this three-bedroom, but there’s lots of light and a respectable amount of space, and the beach is just a few minutes away.
    — Nora Deligter, Curbed, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of exciting
Adjective
  • Rooted in casual elegance, the spring collection introduced a refreshing palette of aquamarine blue, sage green and pink flanking the brand’s distinctive ivories, ecrus and beiges.
    — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Tara Wong, head bartender, attributes its quick rise to a growing thirst among drinkers for refreshing, fruit-forward options.
    — Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of refreshing
Adjective
  • Even the film’s potentially provocative examination of open marriages falls by the wayside, replaced by an increasingly strained subplot involving Haru contending with Mila’s unexpected arrival.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
  • The panel wrapped with a provocative audience question from an NBCUniversal exec who asked the panel what the best path forward for her company would be.
    — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of provocative
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
Definition of arousing
Verb
  • Trotting out this try-hard trifecta of confusing, uninspired installments in a year that’s seen so many entertaining, thought-provoking additions to the horror genre?
    — Jen Chaney, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Tom Cruise‘s Digger is being called a very big swing of a dramatic satire that’s provoking very mixed reactions after the film’s first press screenings.
    — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of provoking
Adjective
  • Water glitters in a golden marsh stretching from the shore, promising breathtaking sunsets.
    — Adam Van Brimmer, AJC.com, 26 Sep. 2026
  • In January 2023, the group joined Beyoncé for a breathtaking private concert at the Atlantis The Royal grand resort in Dubai, performing in front of famous guests like Kendall Jenner, Chlöe Bailey, Halle Bailey and Rebel Wilson.
    — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of breathtaking
Adjective
  • The result is an urgent, propulsive song with a raw spirit and some of Pop’s most super-charged writing with deceptively simple lyrics about love and war, dripping with desperation.
    — Debby Wolfinsohn, Entertainment Weekly, 7 July 2026
  • 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
Definition of charged
Verb
  • Worse still, the most energizing talks tended to be ignored by many of the academics in attendance, who preferred to ask questions that indirectly linked back to their area of specialism.
    — Bartolomeo Sala, The Dial, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Its conversational lyrics, lively rhythm and undeniable chemistry give the song a confident, energizing swagger.
    — qygwork, Billboard, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of energizing

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Cite this Entry

“Stimulating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stimulating. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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