stir (up)

verb

Definition of stir (up)next
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)
  1. provoke
  2. raise
Verb
  • These groups that are coming here are coming for one reason, and that is to provoke a reaction and generate attention.
    — Heath Kalb, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The sources added that the relationship breakdown also provoked serious concerns about the wellbeing of the senior colleague.
    — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of provoke
Verb
  • The lawmakers argue profiting off the suffering of others is wrong, while also raising concerns that wildfire betting could create a dangerous financial incentive.
    — Brady Halbleib, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • On Monday, passengers aboard Delta flight 591 going from Las Vegas to Atlanta allegedly spoofed the onboard Wi-Fi, raising the attention of federal law enforcement.
    — Cyrus Farivar, ArsTechnica, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of raise
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.

Browse Nearby Words

stirs (up)
stir (up)
stitch
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stir (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stir%20%28up%29. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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