as in to provoke
to bring something (volatile or intense) into being
couldn't stir up any interest in a Saturday morning outing to the art museum
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stir (up)
Verb
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Analysts and insiders told CBS News the scale of the response to Pahalvi's call could determine whether the deadly, 12-day-old protests fizzle out as previous rounds of unrest have, or grow into a major challenge to the government, and provoke a possible wider crackdown.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026 -
Intrusive thoughts provoke an anxious spiral as the moon and Saturn oppose.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Because of that, Sean Payton said his father raised him with as little danger as possible.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
16 Jan. 2026
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This Le Creuset square grill is similar to a cast-iron skillet in construction, but features raised ridges to mimic the effect of an outdoor grill, minus the flame.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
16 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Stir (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stir%20%28up%29. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
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