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
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Recent Examples of stimulating
Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025
While the outdoor can be a stimulating place for our felines, the dangers of letting them out outweigh the benefits.
—Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Nov. 2025
Lauren Pardee, InStyle, 29 Dec. 2025
Instead, the drugs were stimulating areas that help people stay awake and alert, and areas that anticipate a pleasurable reward.
—Jon Hamilton, NPR, 27 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stimulating
Adjective
But the question of what is most meaningful, and what is most effective, is more important than the question of what is most horrifying and stimulating.
—Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025
While the outdoor can be a stimulating place for our felines, the dangers of letting them out outweigh the benefits.
—Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Nov. 2025
Verb
The brand promises results in four weeks—we’re talking reduced fine lines, dullness, and dark circles, along with improved elasticity, thanks to collagen-stimulating regrowth that encourages a more youthful appearance.
—Lauren Pardee, InStyle, 29 Dec. 2025
Instead, the drugs were stimulating areas that help people stay awake and alert, and areas that anticipate a pleasurable reward.
—Jon Hamilton, NPR, 27 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stimulating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stimulating
Adjective
-
This season already has plenty of exciting acting talents to spot on the red carpets—including frontrunners such as Chase Infiniti, Renate Reinsve, and Rose Byrne.—
Christian Allaire,
Vogue,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Craft service had Cinnabons — that was exciting.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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If refreshing your home is a goal for 2026, consider soft pieces that make your space feel extra cozy during winter.—
Mia Huelsbeck,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
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When paired with the refreshing quiet of the desert, the setting is truly a respite from daily stressors.—
Kristine Thomason,
Outside,
11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
That’s the question posed by a provocative ad running ahead of screenings at this year’s Thessaloniki Film Festival, highlighting the dire state of film funding in Greece.—
Christopher Vourlias,
Variety,
7 Nov. 2025
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This mother makes what the star did in the equally provocative Mother seem like child’s play.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Now, Elizabeth and Michael must find a way to send her back to her time, while not arousing the suspicion of Michael’s mother and sister during their family vacation.—
Emily Longeretta,
Variety,
22 Dec. 2025
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But instead of arousing genuine interest, Davuluri’s tweet set off some harsh feedback from at least some users put off by AI.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
19 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
When Russia, another strategic partner, invaded Ukraine in 2022, China stopped short of condemning Moscow or opposing the war, instead parroting Russian narrative of blaming on the United States and its NATO allies for provoking the conflict.—
Steven Jiang,
CNN Money,
6 Jan. 2026
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Rather, many Iranians instead blamed the leadership for either provoking the conflict or failing to meaningfully defend the country from Israeli – or American – bombs.—
Kamran Talattof,
The Conversation,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Located in northern Spain, along the Bay of Biscay and between the popular cities of Bilbao and San Sebastián, the Urola Coast of Basque Country is a breathtaking stretch of shoreline.—
Michelle Arellano Martin,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Nov. 2025
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In dozens of interviews in villages on Venezuela's breathtaking northeastern coast, from which some of the boats departed, residents and relatives said the dead men had indeed been running drugs but were not narco-terrorists or leaders of a cartel or gang.—
NPR,
NPR,
8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
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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Not only does the softly exfoliating formula invigorate your skin, but the neroli scent is elegant and energizing to your senses.—
Olivia Rose Rushing,
InStyle,
7 Jan. 2026
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The emotional Moon forms a flowing trine with Chiron, energizing your 11th House of Networks and untangling the complexities of group efforts.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
5 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stimulating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stimulating. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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