1
as in breathtaking
causing great emotional or mental stimulation
the message of brotherhood in Martin Luther King's stirring "I Have a Dream" speech still resonates today
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in emotional
having the power to affect the feelings or sympathies
a stirring rendition of the national anthem
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in buzzing
marked by much life, movement, or activity
spring has arrived, and the meadow is stirring with life
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in shifting
the act or an instance of changing position
I thought I detected a slight stirring of the leaves, and yet there wasn't a breath of wind
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
2
as in moving
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 provoking
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 stirring
Brad Sanders, Pitchfork, 14 Apr. 2026
But at least in this production, Ehrenreich's Max is the stirring center.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Apr. 2026
Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 18 May 2026
Then stir in the garlic, salt, pepper, mustard and thyme, and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds more.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 2026
Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 6 June 2026
Once Venus enters Leo, love moves closer to home, stirring questions around comfort, family, privacy and who gets access to your personal life.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 5 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for stirring
Adjective
Infinite Illumination is a triumph of melodic, soul-stirring, profoundly heavy metal.
—Brad Sanders, Pitchfork, 14 Apr. 2026
But at least in this production, Ehrenreich's Max is the stirring center.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Apr. 2026
Noun
Founding Fathers will go from the stirrings of revolution to the long and bloody fight for independence, and on into the early years of the American republic.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 18 May 2026
Then stir in the garlic, salt, pepper, mustard and thyme, and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds more.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 2026
Verb
For a nostalgia-stirring vacation with friends, Sarasota—a fanciful town on Florida’s scenic Suncoast—has easy appeal for everyone.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 6 June 2026
Once Venus enters Leo, love moves closer to home, stirring questions around comfort, family, privacy and who gets access to your personal life.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 5 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for stirring
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stirring
Adjective
-
The views are breathtaking, and its history is rich.—
Bri Buckley,
CBS News,
8 June 2026
-
As part of a new project highlighting breathtaking — and sometimes overlooked — sights across the country, here are some of the Golden State's stunning scenic spots.—
Kristin Scharkey,
USA Today,
8 June 2026
Adjective
-
Several jurors appeared emotional, covering their mouths.—
Dawn White,
CBS News,
7 June 2026
-
Though there are still many unknowns regarding the full effect of ayahuasca on the human experience, if my own is any indication, the mental and emotional gates this plant can open seem promising.—
Michaela Trimble,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 June 2026
Adjective
-
Like the Marrakech souks, Chatuchak is a full sensory experience of loud music, the smell of Thai street food and a buzzing, barter-friendly atmosphere.—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
29 May 2026
-
The feeding ports keep out buzzing bees, while the ant moat hanger will keep away pesky ants, so the nectar is saved just for the hummingbirds.—
Brittany VanDerBill,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
The shifting is effortless and precise, the steering intuitively responsive, and the grip decidedly reassuring, as is the overall handling, a pleasant surprise for a car that pushes the lightweighting boundaries.—
Viju Mathew,
Robb Report,
1 June 2026
-
Among the images are some depicting Merlin the magician shape-shifting into different forms and some of the tales of King Arthur and his knights.—
Lianne Kolirin,
CNN Money,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
Ready to direct and protect, both from the men and from the swirling chaos that might otherwise harm you.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 June 2026
-
As investigators renew the hunt for Lynette, speculation is swirling over where Brian may be following the mystery around his wife's disappearance.—
Kelsie Cairns,
FOXNews.com,
3 June 2026
Verb
-
Nippon Dynawave was cited for moving equipment involved before it could be inspected, but not for the incident itself, the news outlet reported.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
29 May 2026
-
Remember, as little as 6 inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
Ciara and Interracial Dating in the Bravosphere The most thought-provoking moment of the episode concerned the online minefield that is interracial dating in the Bravosphere, a network that features predominantly white casts.—
Marlow Stern,
Variety,
3 June 2026
-
Cattelan is known for satirical pieces that challenge popular culture, often provoking debates around conceptual art.—
Jack Guy,
CNN Money,
3 June 2026
Adjective
-
The moon in Aries also energizes your 11th house of friendships and future plans, so a social event or opportunity could feel exciting.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
9 June 2026
-
While the combination of editor Sarah Broshar’s relentless pacing and John Williams’ full-bodied score (which stands among the veteran composer’s finest) makes for an exciting watch throughout, the breathless action sequences are especially thrilling.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
9 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stirring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stirring. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
