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
Eve Chen,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
One big concern is that screens are intensively stimulating for young people because they are held up close and engage young viewers with things such as fast cuts and colors.
—
CNN Money,
4 June 2026
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
25 June 2026
Red light is mitochondrially stimulating, so late-night use can disrupt sleep.
—
Allison Palmer,
Kansas City Star,
18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for stimulating
Adjective
Sensory gardens with calming nature sounds, plants kids are welcome to touch and benches are available to help guests reset in a less stimulating environment.
—
Eve Chen,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
One big concern is that screens are intensively stimulating for young people because they are held up close and engage young viewers with things such as fast cuts and colors.
—
CNN Money,
4 June 2026
Verb
Proper mowing practices promote lush, dense turf by stimulating shoot and root growth.
—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
25 June 2026
Red light is mitochondrially stimulating, so late-night use can disrupt sleep.
—
Allison Palmer,
Kansas City Star,
18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for stimulating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stimulating
Adjective
-
The result is a chain of polite, yet simultaneously radical buildings with an exciting contour resembling a mountainous landscape – adding ‘bergen’ in De Bergen!
-
The modern building is an exciting addition to the Fort Worth Cultural District and people are situated in backs around the lobby.
Adjective
-
Ahead, everything to know about this beachside favorite, along with refreshing ways to style this timeless look all summer long.
-
The arils are deep ruby-red in color and have a sweet yet slightly tart flavor that many people find refreshing.
Adjective
-
Digital platforms further amplify provocative behavior, potentially normalizing hate.
-
That can desensitize us to actions that in another context would be seen as deeply 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.
-
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.
Verb
-
If that conversation also seems too anxiety-provoking, focus on modes of communication that do feel accessible to you.
-
Temperatures reached historic highs Historic high temperatures in 2003, surpassed this time, were blamed for 15,000 deaths, provoking a national reckoning about care of older people, who were particularly hard-hit.
Adjective
-
Alberto Carvalho, who has been under FBI investigation for four months, resigned Sunday night as leader of the nation’s second-largest school system, bringing a breathtaking end to one of the district’s most consequential and high-profile tenures.
-
In his 18½ years at the Fed, Greenspan presided over a breathtaking surge in stock prices and a 10-year economic boom that began in March 1991.
Adjective
-
What Happens Next Greene is likely to continue stoking controversy by breaking with her party, as conversations around immigration remain charged and divisive.
-
It is made all the more charged, though, because of what this team means in a cultural one.
Verb
-
The transition has been energizing for the organization, Sullivan says.
-
Acquiring Townsend has been an energizing move; her capabilities on the left-hand side playing alongside Truong and the lefty Ge suddenly makes Dallas a very dangerous team.
Cite this Entry
“Stimulating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stimulating. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
