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
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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
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
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
Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 4 June 2026
Indeed, research suggests mentally stimulating activities like these may help support cognitive resilience as people age by strengthening neural connections and encouraging lifelong learning.
—Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 2 June 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
By stimulating these areas, the program might aid in the initiation and maintenance of sleep.
—Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 4 June 2026
Indeed, research suggests mentally stimulating activities like these may help support cognitive resilience as people age by strengthening neural connections and encouraging lifelong learning.
—Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for stimulating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stimulating
Adjective
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The moon in Aries also energizes your 11th house of friendships and future plans, so a social event or opportunity could feel exciting.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
9 June 2026
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While the combination of editor Sarah Broshar’s relentless pacing and John Williams’ full-bodied score (which stands among the veteran composer’s finest) makes for an exciting watch throughout, the breathless action sequences are especially thrilling.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
9 June 2026
Adjective
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For anyone who loves the look of heels but hates the discomfort that usually comes with them, these Vivaia mid-heels offer a refreshing alternative.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
11 June 2026
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How refreshing to have a MAGA insider repudiate the lies.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
Adjective
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The most incendiary musical comedy of 2025 will advance to the off-Broadway Orpheum Theatre in October, and its creators are marking the show’s return with, not surprisingly, two provocative events.—
Frank DiGiacomo,
HollywoodReporter,
12 June 2026
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Some of my last few films can be considered somehow provocative.—
Christopher Vourlias,
Variety,
11 June 2026
Verb
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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
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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
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Ciara and Interracial Dating in the Bravosphere The most thought-provoking moment of the episode concerned the online minefield that is interracial dating in the Bravosphere, a network that features predominantly white casts.—
Marlow Stern,
Variety,
3 June 2026
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Cattelan is known for satirical pieces that challenge popular culture, often provoking debates around conceptual art.—
Jack Guy,
CNN Money,
3 June 2026
Adjective
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The views are breathtaking, and its history is rich.—
Bri Buckley,
CBS News,
8 June 2026
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As part of a new project highlighting breathtaking — and sometimes overlooked — sights across the country, here are some of the Golden State's stunning scenic spots.—
Kristin Scharkey,
USA Today,
8 June 2026
Adjective
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At a charged political moment, her relatively sober look seemed intended to keep the focus on POTUS.—
Vogue,
Vogue,
12 Dec. 2025
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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
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That decision had as much to do as anything in the 1850s with completely polarizing American politics, to use our term today, and, indeed, energizing the Republican Party of the late 1850s and winning, indeed, the presidency by 1860.—
David Frum,
The Atlantic,
10 June 2026
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The uprising became a turning point in the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights, energizing a new generation of activists and helping propel a movement that would reverberate far beyond New York.—
Diana Rodriguez,
Time,
8 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stimulating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stimulating. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
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