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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in provoking
to rouse to strong feeling or action
the government crackdown has only stimulated the citizenry to more acts of violence
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Kristen Gasnick, Verywell Health, 6 May 2026
Some people are more sensitive to the stimulating effects of caffeine than others, which is largely determined by genetics.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 29 Apr. 2026
Allison Forsyth, Health, 15 May 2026
Between networking wins, social media visibility and unexpected opportunities, this month feels fast-moving and intellectually stimulating in the best way.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for stimulating
Adjective
This means that the stimulating effects of coffee increase the rate at which the kidneys filter the blood and fill up the bladder.
—Kristen Gasnick, Verywell Health, 6 May 2026
Some people are more sensitive to the stimulating effects of caffeine than others, which is largely determined by genetics.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
Researchers say these hobbies may support healthy aging by reducing stress and stimulating the brain in unique ways.
—Allison Forsyth, Health, 15 May 2026
Between networking wins, social media visibility and unexpected opportunities, this month feels fast-moving and intellectually stimulating in the best way.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for stimulating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stimulating
Adjective
-
This new goal provides you with an exciting opportunity to spend your retirement savings in a way that feeds your values.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
26 May 2026
-
Based on exciting flashes in his 2024 season, Woods was trending toward becoming a top-five pick, which was my opinion and shared by many around the NFL.—
Dane Brugler,
New York Times,
26 May 2026
Adjective
-
This Italian liqueur is both bitter and refreshing.—
Sarah Moreno
May 28,
Miami Herald,
28 May 2026
-
Check out some of the brand's bestsellers below, including the famous masks and the instantly refreshing Lychee Breeze facial mist.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
28 May 2026
Adjective
-
Make your kick-off intriguing or provocative to inspire viewers to read on.—
William Arruda,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
-
And not all of his merchandise is provocative.—
Lyz Lenz,
Rolling Stone,
28 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
-
On May 18, Venus will conclude its journey through the flirtatious and thought-provoking sign of Gemini and enter the sentimental and hopeless romantic sign of Cancer.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
18 May 2026
-
The neighborhood’s creative spirit shines at Cam Raleigh, a dynamic contemporary art space with thought-provoking works rooted in community and regional narratives.—
Kristy Tolley,
Travel + Leisure,
16 May 2026
Adjective
-
On the Rocky Mountaineer, travelers enjoy breathtaking landscapes through the Rocky Mountains on two or three-day trips.—
Patricia Doherty,
Travel + Leisure,
24 May 2026
-
The 150-mile coastal highway in western Victoria is matched in its breathtaking views perhaps only by California’s Pacific Coast Highway.—
Damian Fallon,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 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
-
As a result, philanthropy can start to feel emotionally draining instead of energizing.—
Kris Putnam-Walkerly,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2026
-
In the House, a Democratic plan for sweeping Russia sanctions and $1 billion in Ukraine aid is unlikely to pass but is energizing bipartisan efforts to preserve symbolic $400-million assistance.—
Stephen Groves,
Los Angeles Times,
22 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stimulating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stimulating. Accessed 31 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
