1
as in exciting
causing great emotional or mental stimulation
enjoys the good food and stimulating conversation at his best friend's house
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stimulating
Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 10 Apr. 2026
Engaging in mentally stimulating activities works neural pathways in the brain, while exercise improves blood flow to the brain and prompts muscles to contract, Hwang said.
—Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 8 Apr. 2026
Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Apr. 2026
Key Points Lawn aeration is the process of pulling small cores of soil from the grass, stimulating growth.
—Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stimulating
Adjective
Enjoy reading or mentally stimulating puzzles.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 10 Apr. 2026
Engaging in mentally stimulating activities works neural pathways in the brain, while exercise improves blood flow to the brain and prompts muscles to contract, Hwang said.
—Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 8 Apr. 2026
Verb
Bishop also recommends avoiding chartreuse in bedrooms because of how stimulating the color can be.
—Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Apr. 2026
Key Points Lawn aeration is the process of pulling small cores of soil from the grass, stimulating growth.
—Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stimulating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stimulating
Adjective
-
But that exciting crash sequence — from initial turbulence through to catastrophic Pacific Ocean landing — is where high-stakes action specialist Harlin is most firmly in his sweet spot.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Friends, networks and social circles can bring exciting connections now.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
After a refreshing, standing, glass shower, guests have the option to purchase a bottle of wine or cocktail from the backyard bar as a to-go treat.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 May 2026
-
My cocktail, Jesus Can’t Hit a Curveball, was decidedly undramatic in the looks department, but its combination of gin, ginger, celery and serrano peppers was phenomenally vegetal and refreshing.—
Jess Fleming,
Twin Cities,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
Founded by multi-hyphenate filmmaker Garelick in the fall of 2017, American High is a production company specializing in provocative teen comedies that operates out of a former school in Syracuse, NY.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
7 May 2026
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An exception is when the goal of provocative or controversial material is prosocial rather than selfish—to challenge discrimination and foster productive dialogue on social issues rather than to sensationalize or garner ratings and profit.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
7 May 2026
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
Verb
-
The anti-camping bill, HB 1365, allowed residents to sue their local governments for non-enforcement, provoking fears that people with nowhere to sleep but the streets could face arrest.—
Max Klaver,
Miami Herald,
6 May 2026
-
Aliens, dystopian nightmares, and twisted realities are more than likely provoking a reaction from viewers that flies a lot closer to terrified.—
Grace Dean,
Space.com,
2 May 2026
Adjective
-
The clear turquoise waters of the Outer Hebrides are breathtaking–freezing–but breathtaking!—
Riza Cruz,
Vogue,
11 May 2026
-
The park was established in 1910 and features seemingly endless acres of rugged and breathtaking landscapes and historic national park lodges.—
Dave Parfitt,
USA Today,
9 May 2026
Adjective
-
At a charged political moment, her relatively sober look seemed intended to keep the focus on POTUS.—
Vogue,
Vogue,
12 Dec. 2025
-
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
Verb
-
Time them intentionally — energizing adaptogens work best in the morning; calming ones fit better in the evening.—
Ryan Brennan,
Charlotte Observer,
7 May 2026
-
Time them intentionally — energizing adaptogens in the morning, calming ones at night.—
Ryan Brennan,
Sacbee.com,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stimulating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stimulating. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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