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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
Caffeine is among the key ingredients, greatly contributing to the formula’s follicle-stimulating—and, ultimately, growth-spurring—effect. — Sophie Wirt, InStyle, 17 Sep. 2026 The Fed’s main tool — its key interest rate — functions on the demand side, either by cooling or stimulating the US economy, depending on whether officials want to address high inflation or high unemployment. — Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 14 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
  • Here’s to a safe, healthy and exciting new school year ahead.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Learning about the finance side has also been an exciting challenge.
    — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of exciting
Adjective
  • The rest of the women have pretty much accepted Vicki’s temperament by now and mostly operate around her, enjoying the refreshing Miami energy after the bumpiness of the previous parties.
    — Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026
  • These six refreshing options present Sonoma County in a different light, showcasing both nature and culture.
    — Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of refreshing
Adjective
  • The early episodes, with their nervousness about FCC crackdowns and government interference in the news-gathering apparatus, suggest that American Hostage is going someplace provocative, only to have the series run out of things to say.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Sydney Sweeney sparked widespread backlash following the release of her provocative campaign for a sports trading app.
    — Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 18 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
  • 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
  • This full-day experience welcomes middle and high school students from throughout the region to engage in thought-provoking screenings, interactive Q&A sessions, and hands-on workshops.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of provoking
Adjective
  • This town of about 1,200 residents comes alive in autumn with quirky traditions, breathtaking foliage, and family-friendly activities that showcase the best of the season.
    — Abby Price, Travel + Leisure, 19 Sep. 2026
  • With breathtaking speed, a little over a month after the Good Earth casting rejection, Wong left Hollywood to fulfill her lifelong dream of visiting China.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 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
  • The bold clarity of the performances was energizing, but the wailing sometimes sounded like parody grief.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Sunlight streams in brighter, energizing the home, and your whole exterior gets a fresh lift.
    — Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, 5 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 28 Sep. 2026.

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