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
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
But now this new syndrome, Alpha-gal syndrome, is stimulating communities to say, 'Enough is enough. — David Pogue, CBS News, 23 Aug. 2026 Instead, some industry leaders advocate for the US government to become an ambitious early customer, stimulating domestic demand and building a resilient supply chain, mirroring China's successful strategy. — John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 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
  • 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
  • McBride’s work as an author and actor injects something refreshing into the discussion.
    — T. M. Brown, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Simply squeeze, stir with ice water and sip for a refreshing drink with natural caffeine.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of refreshing
Adjective
  • The 27-year-old pre-training researcher’s dramatic resignation has fired off a provocative warning on X that instantly sent ripples across the tech sector.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Both its outlandish and provocative nature could translate into a bit of surprise win for the box office.
    — Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 8 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
  • Guendouzi, who played for Lyon’s rivals Marseille between 2022 and 2024, was seen provoking the Lyon fans at full time with a series of exuberant celebrations.
    — Ali Rampling, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • This year's Ig Nobel Prizes — which are awarded for humorous, yet thought-provoking research — have been announced, but not on their home turf.
    — Ari Daniel, NPR, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of provoking
Adjective
  • Engineered as a premier compact display for dedicated gaming setups and bedroom home theaters, the Sony A90K OLED delivers breathtaking visual fidelity.
    — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Nattiv skilfully braids together the key events that lead to Rita’s breakdown, with a breathtaking sense of tension across the flashbacks.
    — Tomris Laffly, Variety, 5 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
  • Sunlight streams in brighter, energizing the home, and your whole exterior gets a fresh lift.
    — Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, 5 Sep. 2026
  • But its real essence is pure escapism, whether dangling from a mountain while rappelling or relaxing in the impeccable spa with its energizing hammam rituals and fragrant frankincense oils.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 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 14 Sep. 2026.

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