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
Instead, the stimulating ingredient added to the product is causing the symptoms. — Sara Hoffman, Verywell Health, 29 June 2026 The new guidance specifically warned that low-quality digital use -- mindless scrolling, autoplay videos, frequent notifications and algorithms that push extreme or harmful material -- can be highly stimulating but may lead to issues with sleep, learning, engagement and emotional regulation. — Mason Leib, ABC News, 24 June 2026
Verb
Indo-Pacific tensions are stimulating defense investment across Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Australia. — Jason Kirsch, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026 In one of her final speeches as chancellor, Reeves touted her record on reducing public borrowing and stimulating economic growth. — Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 21 July 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
  • Moore describes her apprenticeship as both exciting and exhausting.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Mercury will also make a conjunction with lucky Jupiter, which can bring an exciting proposal, declaration or significant agreement your way.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of exciting
Adjective
  • The pool is on the smaller side, best for a refreshing dip rather than a whole afternoon affair—and the complimentary weekend yoga adds a nice and easy excuse to start the morning outside.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026
  • Try the Sweet Li’l Thang, a dessert cocktail with coconut cream and bright citrus notes, or the Unencumbered, a refreshing mix of limoncello and cucumber that’s herbal and a tiny bit sweet.
    — USA TODAY NETWORK, USA Today, 29 July 2026
Definition of refreshing
Adjective
  • The songs feature confident lyricism and insights into the star’s personal life, and both arrived alongside provocative music videos that expand Black’s exciting and unique visual world.
    — Jack Irvin, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026
  • The ad’s most provocative image was of American soldiers’ tombs at the Arlington National Cemetery.
    — Harry Booth, Time, 17 July 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
  • Even when the play returns to the familiar rhythm of Shaw provoking Dreyfuss and Scheider stepping in to restore peace, the performances keep the interactions engaging.
    — Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 29 July 2026
  • As a founder of the San Isidro Movement, Otero Alcántara used performance art to challenge the Cuban government, repeatedly provoking authorities through works involving the national flag, public demonstrations and acts of civil disobedience.
    — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 20 July 2026
Definition of provoking
Adjective
  • Set within the breathtaking Ka`a`awa Valley, the locations of many Hollywood flicks & TV series, and World War II bunkers were filmed at Kualoa Ranch & Private Nature Reserve on the island of Oahu.
    — Noreen Kompanik, Boston Herald, 26 July 2026
  • Drawing me back year after year is the Okefenokee’s breathtaking splendor, magnificent array of plants and animals and its mind-soothing peacefulness and serenity.
    — Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 25 July 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
  • On July 21, Jupiter will meet with Uranus in a harmonious sextile, creating an energizing connection between our personal expansion and the changes available to us at this time.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 21 July 2026
  • Some of the day-to-day involvement is gone, along with the immediacy that made the early years so energizing.
    — Dustin Lemick, Forbes.com, 20 July 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 2 Aug. 2026.

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