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Synonym Chooser

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 The Chinese government has implemented a raft of stimulus measures to stimulate consumption across different sectors and support businesses impacted by the tariffs and bolster employment. Anniek Bao,evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 19 May 2025 Given stagnant growth and precarious external demand, the government would be well advised to stimulate consumer spending and inspire greater confidence among consumers. Isabella M. Weber, Foreign Affairs, 14 May 2025 Aeration stimulates new growth to cover areas damaged by fairy rings. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 11 May 2025 Zaria Court is designed to stimulate local economies, creating jobs not only in sports but also in surrounding sectors, from retail to hospitality. Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for stimulate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stimulate
Verb
  • Sidelining people who voiced those views aroused righteous wrath.
    Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 19 May 2025
  • The decision to involve the United States in espionage aroused little public opposition, both in Washington’s day and for decades to come.
    James Santel, The Atlantic, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • Doctors gave her Pitocin, a medication used to provoke contractions, and a Foley balloon, which is a catheter-​like device that gets the cervix to dilate.
    Kayla Grant, People.com, 20 May 2025
  • But if Washington follows a few principles, such improvements will not necessarily provoke Chinese aggression.
    Oriana Skylar Mastro, Foreign Affairs, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • Leia forms the Resistance Senator Leia Organa discovers a new danger stirring in the galaxy: the First Order.
    Nick Romano, EW.com, 25 May 2025
  • Transfer onions to a medium bowl and stir in Worcestershire sauce.
    Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • There is no fee to nominate and self-nominations are encouraged.
    Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 26 May 2025
  • Inner reflection is encouraged with Mercury in Gemini.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 25 May 2025
Verb
  • These particles can collide with gases in a planet’s atmosphere, energizing them and causing their atoms to emit light in different colors.
    Lillian Ali, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 May 2025
  • White drained four 3-pointers over the first seven minutes, energizing a crowd that needed a reason to believe.
    Jay King, New York Times, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • The ocean-facing 156-seat restaurant, which includes an eight-seat sushi bar and 12-seat pagoda bar, serves signature dishes such as black cod with iso squid pasta and A5 Wagyu steak, as well as locally inspired dishes including lobster truffle tempura and beef kushiyaki skewers.
    Pamela Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 May 2025
  • Poe: This one-syllable name, inspired by The Raven poet, could be a match for parents seeking a bookish name or one with a soft-gothic feel.
    Anna Earl, Parents, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • The result spurred years of research around a simple question: Why are those brief, positive moments with co-workers so invigorating?
    Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 22 May 2025
  • The current menu at Jai consists of hot tea, sold by the glass or pot, along with the herbal elixirs — one invigorating, one calming and one berry.
    Lina Abascal, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • One Stop Enfield in Enfield, CT $16M CT apartment project would enliven nearly empty building.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 8 May 2025
  • That, along with a flamenco vibe, enlivens the design (Christopher Ash for set and lighting and Mark Eric for costumes).
    Guillermo Perez, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Stimulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stimulate. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on stimulate

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