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
This is the time to do the intellectually stimulating things. — Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026 That’s really the most stimulating, but not necessarily on camera. — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 11 Aug. 2026
Verb
Nicotine dependence alters brain chemistry by stimulating neurotransmitters like dopamine that govern mood and pleasure, according to Cleveland Clinic. — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026 Are my kids better off with a low-stimulating classic movie like Cinderella? — Jillian Pretzel, Parents, 22 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
  • More hotels are expected from exciting names in hospitality like Edition, W, and Rocco Forte—just in time too, as Milan will co-host the winter Olympics in 2026, a duty shared with the ski town of Cortina d’Ampezzo in the Dolomites.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026
  • There is always more to do; often more exciting, more rewarding, more fruitful work, thanks to technology.
    — Ali Kashani, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of exciting
Adjective
  • According to the staff and recurring guests, this era is cutting edge, and the Omni Homestead is facing a, totally, revitalizing and refreshing energy rebirth.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The blue accents offered a refreshing reprieve from the almost all-white base, breathing life into the silhouette.
    — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of refreshing
Adjective
  • The sports media rarely treats athletes who espouse liberal or progressive political views as problematic, even when those views are provocative, divisive, or factually incorrect.
    — Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Others do not, such as the TV show conceit, which, though provocative in theory, will come across to many readers as functionally cosmetic.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 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
  • From this format emerges the tacit thesis that the Bicentennial cultural activities excelled at provoking critical, imaginative reflections on America’s past and future from artmakers and from ordinary citizens alike.
    — Anna Kornbluh, ARTnews.com, 7 Oct. 2026
  • This year, the event will once again feature panels, thought-provoking conversations, roundtables, networking opportunities and activations, along with the celebrated Billboard En Vivo performances.
    — Sigal Ratner-Arias, Billboard, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of provoking
Adjective
  • Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu is one of Southern California’s most breathtaking drives — but also one of its deadliest.
    — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Sonos Era 500 Immerse yourself in breathtaking sound from every direction with the Sonos Era 300 Smart Speaker.
    — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 9 Oct. 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
  • This bold move would add instant credibility again and immediate buzz to the program while energizing the fans.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026
  • This represents the plasma hitting and passing through clumps of surrounding gas, energizing it.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 2 Oct. 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 12 Oct. 2026.

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