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
Key Takeaways Collagen supplements help improve bone mineral density, strength, and structure by stimulating new bone tissue and reducing bone breakdown. — Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 31 July 2026 Even people with long, strong strands look for ways to add thickness, whether through a scalp serum, follicle-stimulating oil, or volume-boosting mousse. — Kaelin Dodge, InStyle, 30 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
  • The Spanish royals’ Mallorca trip comes towards the end of an exciting summer, which saw the King, Queen and princesses travel to the United States to watch the Spanish national team win the 2026 World Cup.
    — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The Chilean duo’s latest only further establishes them as some of the most exciting makers of tangible, macabre visions on the world’s stage.
    — Josh Slater-Williams, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of exciting
Adjective
  • Say yes to the thing that feels fun, beautiful, or emotionally refreshing.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Without fail, the refreshing formula leaves my pores squeaky clean sans the need for a second cleanse.
    — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of refreshing
Adjective
  • The manager, Jordan Perry, whose theater has a history of provocative messaging, didn’t respond to Jewish Telegraphic Agency requests for comment.
    — Andrew Lapin, Sun Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Increasingly, the answer comes in the form of an intimacy coordinator — a role that Araki, long known for embracing provocative themes, employed for the first time on this project.
    — Anna Tingley, Variety, 31 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
  • The author warns that humanity's insistence on supremacy could lead to conflict with advanced AI, even provoking existential threats.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Definition of provoking
Adjective
  • This breathtaking start follows recent debate over potential fatigue for franchise films, including those of the superhero variety, given that DC Studios’ Supergirl underperformed earlier this summer.
    — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Almost every day there is a new announcement about some resoundingly breathtaking AI innovation.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 31 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
  • Meetings that used to feel energizing start feeling like endurance events.
    — Matt Emma, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2026
  • 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
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 9 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on stimulating

Nglish: Translation of stimulating for Spanish Speakers

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