STIMULATING Synonyms: 260 Similar and Opposite Words

stimulating 1 of 2

adjective

ˈstim-yə-ˌlā-tiŋ

Definition of stimulating

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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Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

stimulating

2 of 2

verb

present participle of stimulate

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

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

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

Tang and co-founder Joe Hollier noted the OS is designed to be less stimulating, from its monochrome appearance to the launcher that simply displays a list of tools rather than expressive app icons. — New Atlas, 22 July 2026 Key recommendations include Provide all children with good-quality education and support lifelong cognitive activity through mentally stimulating activities. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026

Verb

Two connected aluminum cylinders rotate continuously through your hand, providing a repetitive movement with stimulating texture to redirect your attention. — Brandon Schultz, Travel + Leisure, 21 Aug. 2026 Later in life, tretinoin is equally sought after for its ability to improve the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and discoloration by stimulating skin-cell turnover. — Kelsey Stewart, Allure, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stimulating

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stimulating

Adjective

This is an exciting step forward for Eisenberg the director, who had a breakthrough a couple of years ago with the lovely A Real Pain, which earned co-star Kieran Culkin an Academy Award.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 6 Sep. 2026
Mikel Arteta’s champions are built around a solid defence and strangling the opposition through possession, while Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea have had very little of the ball during his first few games, but have still built an exciting style.

— Chris Waugh, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of exciting

Adjective

The final non-alcoholic drink is a cherry lemonade, which will be perfectly refreshing after a hot day in the theme parks.

— Megan duBois, Southern Living, 2 Sep. 2026
Not only are the fruits delicious and refreshing, but these elegant trees produce beautiful, fragrant blooms in early spring too.

— Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of refreshing

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

Adjective

Nvidia's giveback Friday was certainly not because the company didn't report an amazing, if not breathtaking, quarter.

— Jim Cramer, CNBC, 30 Aug. 2026
The experience goes far beyond the golf course; Palmares is known across the world for having one of the most breathtaking clubhouse environments in all of golf.

— Jeff Goudy, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 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

Every event brings the character closer to their goal or takes them further away, energizing them or creating turmoil.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026
DedCool 01 Taunt Eau de Parfum Taunt may be the sweetest fragrance on this list, but its sugary vanilla is undercut by a fresh, energizing burst of bergamot and dewy blackcurrant buds.

— Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of energizing

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stimulates

stimulating

stimulation

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Stimulating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stimulating. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of stimulating

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

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