STIR UP Synonyms: 63 Similar and Opposite Words

stir (up)

verb

Definition of stir (up)

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

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for stir (up)

Verb

Not to be all nostalgic, but there is a long history of the Steppenwolf audience showing up precisely to be provoked, made to think, or satirized themselves.

— Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026
But can his way of working still provoke a new way of seeing?

— Michael Brenson, Vogue, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of provoke

Verb

Andy’s view The prospect of steep losses for Republicans in today’s midterms and the lame-duck presidency that ensues regardless raise a fundamental question about the outlook for a budding US-China détente.

— Andy Browne, semafor.com, 3 Nov. 2026
In one video, Basabe appears to raise his voice at a man before turning around and shouting at a woman.

— Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of raise

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stirs (up)

stir (up)

stitch

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“Stir (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stir%20%28up%29. Accessed 7 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of stir (up)

verb

Example Sentences

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