stirred

verb

past tense of stir
1
as in swirled
to cause (as a liquid) to move about in a circle especially repeatedly the recipe says to stir the mixture carefully until it's properly blended

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in shifted
to change one's position the cat stirred, then opened its eyes and slowly got to its feet

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in provoked
to rouse to strong feeling or action news coverage of the fire stirred many to send donations to a fund for the families who had lost their homes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 stirred So, most people are feeling good — or, at least, emotionally stirred, when the town heads over to the big dance. — Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 11 July 2026 The shepherd observed as Underwood boiled and stirred and filtered his brew. — Literary Hub, 10 July 2026 The revelations about the tattoo and the online comments stirred concern among Democrats that Platner had been poorly vetted as a political candidate and demonstrated questionable judgment. — Kimberlee Kruesi, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026 Claudia Sheinbaum pledged Wednesday to respond to the killing that has dominated headlines and stirred outrage in Mexico. — Terrence McCoy, Washington Post, 8 July 2026 Dancer Tori Evans, who performed on Swift's record-setting Eras Tour, stirred controversy on social media over the weekend after sharing her attire for the pop star's wedding in an outfit reveal video. — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 7 July 2026 The inclusion of Elliot Page, who came out as a transgender man in 2020, in the cast also stirred controversy. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 July 2026 Your 3rd House of Communication is stirred by the temperamental Moon, while the life-giving Sun boosts your 7th House of Partnership, aligning words with steady commitments. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 5 July 2026 Dozens of celebrities attended Taylor Swift’s wedding, but there’s one who’s stirred the most conversation. — Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 3 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stirred
  1. swirled
  2. shifted
  3. provoked
  4. washed
  5. moved
  6. encouraged
  7. shook
  8. stimulated
Verb
  • An investigation is underway into the death of Nolan Xavier Wells, 18, as scrutiny of the circumstances has swirled online.
    — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 10 July 2026
  • So much so, that Muncy himself spoke out about his willingness to move aside for a new third baseman as trade rumors swirled.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
Definition of swirled
Verb
  • Their efforts have shifted the needle; the US last year recorded a jump in its greenhouse gas emissions, driven in large part by power plants burning more coal.
    — Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 13 July 2026
  • So now the narrative has shifted to the Sussexes not being interested in a meeting, but a picture.
    — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 13 July 2026
Definition of shifted
Verb
  • Montgomery’s death provoked an outpouring of heartfelt support.
    — Sarah M.S. Pearsall, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
  • What the 1998 demolition unexpectedly uncovered roiled Miami and provoked a worldwide outcry — a mysterious set of 24 holes carved into the limestone bedrock in a perfect circle, 38 feet in diameter.
    — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026
Definition of provoked
Verb
  • The straw can go on the top rack, and the gasket and spout can be washed in the utensil rack.
    — Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 July 2026
  • Buying directly from a local producer may provide an opportunity to ask questions about how food is grown, harvested, washed, stored and transported.
    — Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 15 July 2026
Definition of washed
Verb
  • The win moved the Red Sox within a half-game of the third American League wild card spot.
    — Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 12 July 2026
  • Ogwumike moved into fifth on the Sparks’ all-time assists list with her third helper in the first quarter, passing Mwadi Mabika.
    — Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
Definition of moved
Verb
  • During the pandemic boom, cheap money, soaring asset prices, and speculative demand encouraged galleries to expand rapidly—adding artists, opening new locations and building ever larger organizations.
    — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 17 July 2026
  • As energy costs and demand continue to rise and the potential for significantly lower tax revenues looms, local governments need to understand that clean energy is not banned in Florida but is encouraged by state statutes.
    — Alan Byrd, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2026
Definition of encouraged
Verb
  • Each blast was louder than the one before, and the walls of the house shook violently.
    — Laura Kiniry, Popular Science, 16 July 2026
  • Last October, a roaring blast and fire at Chevron’s El Segundo plant stayed within the refinery footprint but the noise shook the neighborhood and turned the sky sunset-orange, then smoky.
    — Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026
Definition of shook
Verb
  • Many major tech companies engineered environments designed to keep smart people in the building longer—fed, caffeinated and stimulated enough to move at a pace that older, slower companies couldn't match.
    — Vince Carrabba, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
  • Playing games can be a fun, easy way to keep your brain stimulated as you age.
    — Allison Forsyth, Health, 30 June 2026
Definition of stimulated

Browse Nearby Words

stir
stirred
stirred (up)
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Cite this Entry

“Stirred.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stirred. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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