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
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 Sensory gardens with calming nature sounds, plants kids are welcome to touch and benches are available to help guests reset in a less stimulating environment. — Eve Chen, USA Today, 19 June 2026
Verb
The process involved suctioning the newborn's airway and stimulating him. — Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026 The addition of crushed silicate rock such as basalt to the soil can improve tree nutrition in two ways, either by stimulating tree growth via directly releasing nutrients into the soil, or by increasing soil PH. — Jamie Hailstone, Forbes.com, 30 June 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 King vs the Prince The clash of styles is one subplot but arguably not as exciting as the prospect of Messi coming up against Lamine Yamal.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 19 July 2026
  • After a month of adrenaline-pumping action, the 2026 FIFA World Cup draws to a close this weekend with two exciting finals.
    — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 18 July 2026
Definition of exciting
Adjective
  • Given Cregger’s scary-good track record, this one may be as refreshing as a life-giving green herb.
    — Matt Cabral, Entertainment Weekly, 15 July 2026
  • In this case, the most refreshing summer treat that brings you right back to summer vacations growing up.
    — Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 July 2026
Definition of refreshing
Adjective
  • The Shards could similarly prove to be a sensationalized and provocative romp, given the tone of the source material and the general vibe of both Ellis’ literary works and Murphy’s shows.
    — Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 14 July 2026
  • The former leader remains jailed while appealing a life sentence for rebellion and a 30-year term over provocative drone flights, a saga that has tested South Korea’s democratic institutions.
    — Kim Tong-Hyung, Los Angeles Times, 9 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
  • Chris Young’s Beyond Earth column explores the intersection of space technology and policy, providing thought-provoking commentary on the latest advancements and regulatory developments in the sector.
    — Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 13 July 2026
  • Its New York chapter’s response to the October 7 mass murder and mass rape of Israeli civilians was to blame Israel for provoking the attacks.
    — David Brooks, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026
Definition of provoking
Adjective
  • Set high above the town with breathtaking sea views from all 27 suites and 13 private villas (which are individually staffed), La Réserve offers serenity and discretion—all while being just a few minutes' drive from Pampelonne Beach.
    — Karli Poliziani, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 July 2026
  • As Americans reflect on our 250-year history as a sovereign nation, there's no better time to appreciate the breathtaking natural beauty the country offers.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 3 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
  • No set of bonds is more deep-rooted, and the flux of those intimate connections, the fundamental passion energizing even the simplest interaction, imbue these wanderings with elemental power.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 10 July 2026
  • Begin with small, inclusive, and optional activities to build a truly engaging and energizing work environment, where joy becomes integral to daily operations.
    — Rick Tollakson, Forbes.com, 8 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 19 Jul. 2026.

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