STIMULATOR Synonyms: 161 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'stimulate' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of stimulate are excite , pique , provoke , and quicken . While all these words mean "to arouse as if by pricking," stimulate suggests a rousing out of lethargy, quiescence, or indifference. // stimulating conversation

Q: When would 'excite' be a good substitute for 'stimulate'?

While the synonyms excite and stimulate are close in meaning, excite implies a stirring up or moving profoundly. // news that excited anger and frustration

Q: In what contexts can 'pique' take the place of 'stimulate'?

In some situations, the words pique and stimulate are roughly equivalent. However, pique suggests stimulating by mild irritation or challenge. // that remark piqued my interest

Q: When might 'provoke' be a better fit than 'stimulate'?

The words provoke and stimulate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, provoke directs attention to the response called forth. // my stories usually provoke laughter

Q: When can 'quicken' be used instead of 'stimulate'?

The meanings of quicken and stimulate largely overlap; however, quicken implies beneficially stimulating and making active or lively. // the high salary quickened her desire to have the job

stimulate

verb

ˈstim-yə-ˌlāt

Definition of stimulate

as in to arouse

to give life, vigor, or spirit to research into alternative energy sources has been stimulated by this funding increase

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to provoke

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

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How does the verb stimulate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of stimulate are excite, pique, provoke, and quicken. While all these words mean "to arouse as if by pricking," stimulate suggests a rousing out of lethargy, quiescence, or indifference.

stimulating conversation

When would excite be a good substitute for stimulate?

While the synonyms excite and stimulate are close in meaning, excite implies a stirring up or moving profoundly.

news that excited anger and frustration

In what contexts can pique take the place of stimulate?

In some situations, the words pique and stimulate are roughly equivalent. However, pique suggests stimulating by mild irritation or challenge.

that remark piqued my interest

When might provoke be a better fit than stimulate?

The words provoke and stimulate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, provoke directs attention to the response called forth.

my stories usually provoke laughter

When can quicken be used instead of stimulate?

The meanings of quicken and stimulate largely overlap; however, quicken implies beneficially stimulating and making active or lively.

the high salary quickened her desire to have the job

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 stimulate Mounjaro and Zepbound, also made by Eli Lilly, mimic the effects of GLP-1 as well as GIP, a type of hormone that helps regulate blood sugar by stimulating insulin. — ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026 When used as directed, this pumice stone can stimulate blood flow and help relieve fatigue. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026 Even watching a magic trick can challenge our assumptions about the world and stimulate more original thinking. — Julie Bourdin, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026 The formula includes peptides and rosemary to stimulate new growth, while strengthening your length. — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 25 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stimulate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stimulate

Verb

Now, Elizabeth and Michael must find a way to send her back in time, while not arousing the suspicion of Michael’s mother and sister during their family vacation.

— Rachel LaBonte, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2026
The prospect of war did, however, arouse excitement in some quarters.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of arouse

Verb

The best of these films are simultaneously suspenseful, thought-provoking and dazzling.

— David Faris, TheWeek, 27 Oct. 2026
In his view, the peaceful crowds that greeted Machado on Sunday undermined arguments that her return would necessarily provoke unrest.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of provoke

Verb

All of them are troubled by increasing animosity from their many political adversaries, especially because the series’ big bad, an immortal named Koschei the Deathless, seems to be stirring in mysterious ways.

— Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 28 Oct. 2026
Her father, who was Jonah’s partner, killed himself after the disappearance of his wife, just to stir in some extra disaster to start.

— Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of stir

Verb

Though the board does not have the authority to forgive the charges, which will still be due by the end of the year, board President Allan Marks encouraged residents to enroll in programs that could help alleviate rising costs.

— Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
According to Ueda, an enthusiastic online response encouraged its adaptation to feature length and a theatrical release.

— Kambole Campbell, Variety, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of encourage

Verb

Despite his long-standing presence in California politics, the modest Becerra initially struggled to energize support for his gubernatorial campaign.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
Actor and rapper Common also energized the crowd to get the job done by voting for El-Sayed.

— Julia Avant, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of energize

Verb

The sweat beads from the worried Republicans in Arkansas this election cycle are Democrat-inspired.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Oct. 2026
Amenities and experiences Dublin’s literary heritage, inspired by the likes of Oscar Wilde, seeps through the walls of The Wilder Townhouse and is reflected in thoughtful details throughout the entire experience.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of inspire

Verb

Credit Iommi’s instincts; neither of those routes were likely to lead to an album as invigorating as From the Dark.

— Brad Sanders, Pitchfork, 27 Oct. 2026
Having spent their youth dreaming of taking their music beyond Maryland and Ohio, bringing it home to invigorate the place that shaped them was a surreal feat.

— Leena Tailor, SPIN, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of invigorate

Verb

This power plant is Mercedes-AMG’s new-generation M177 EVO, enhanced and enlivened by a flat-plane crankshaft, a feature normally associated with shrieking supercar engines.

— Howard Walker, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2026
But traditional, romantic silhouettes also felt new in intricate lace at Sareh Nouri, while the corset, which remains a favorite for today’s brides, were enlivened with lace at Galia Lahav and Heli Kelkstein.

— Emily Mercer, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of enliven

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“Stimulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stimulate. Accessed 5 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of stimulate

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