Synonyms of stirring

stirring 1 of 3

adjective

ˈstər-iŋ 

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

• breathtaking
• exciting
• interesting
• thrilling
• intriguing
• inspiring
• gripping
• electric
• electrifying
• rousing
• galvanizing
• exhilarating
• intoxicating
• provocative
• galvanic
• fascinating
• stimulating
• lively
• heart-stopping
• absorbing
• rip-roaring
• mind-blowing
• mind-bending
• kicky
• riveting
• mind-boggling
• moving
• charged
• tantalizing
• hair-raising
• exhilarative
• engrossing
• touching
• enchanting
• arresting
• enthralling
• titillating
• spellbinding
• poignant
• dynamic
• energetic
• high-voltage
• kinetic
• lusty

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• tedious
• boring
• tiresome
• unexciting
• dull
• monotonous
• uninteresting
• mind-numbing
• dreary
• humdrum

2

as in emotional

having the power to affect the feelings or sympathies

a stirring rendition of the national anthem

Synonyms & Similar Words

• emotional
• impressive
• moving
• passionate
• touching
• exciting
• excitable
• poignant
• inspirational
• affecting
• dramatic
• eloquent
• impactful
• meaningful
• feeling
• expressive
• provoking
• theatrical
• significant
• responsive
• stimulating
• rousing
• demonstrative
• sensitive
• melodramatic
• cathartic
• histrionic

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• cool
• cold
• unemotional
• unimpressive
• detached
• dispassionate
• unaffecting
• emotionless
• deadpan

3

as in buzzing

marked by much life, movement, or activity

spring has arrived, and the meadow is stirring with life

Synonyms & Similar Words

• buzzing
• busy
• humming
• vibrant
• thriving
• lively
• rousing
• crowded
• brisk
• populous
• kinetic
• abuzz
• bustling
• animated
• happening
• alive
• flourishing
• astir
• aboil
• hopping
• abubble
• overflowing
• swarming
• teeming
• thronging
• abounding

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dead
• inactive
• sleepy
• lifeless
• asleep

stirring

2 of 3

noun

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

• shifting
• movement
• move
• shift
• motion
• stir
• relocation
• flapping
• twitching
• migration
• dislocation
• mobility
• squirm
• fiddling
• motility
• waving
• locomotion
• squirming
• fidgeting
• writhing
• wriggling
• motivity
• flailing

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• immobility
• inertia
• stop
• pause
• motionlessness
• stillness
• finish
• termination
• halt
• cessation
• shutdown
• lapse
• stoppage
• ending
• expiration
• discontinuance
• inertness
• shutoff
• surcease

stirring

3 of 3

verb

present participle of stir

1

as in swirling

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

• swirling
• washing
• churning
• shaking
• whisking
• agitating
• whipping
• whirling
• beating
• reeling
• paddling
• wheeling

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

• shifting
• moving
• twitching
• squirming
• fidgeting
• locomoting
• tossing
• wiggling
• fiddling
• rousing
• jiggling
• writhing
• budging
• wriggling
• squiggling

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• freezing
• remaining
• staying
• hanging around
• stilling
• stabilizing
• tarrying
• sticking around

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

• provoking
• encouraging
• stimulating
• inspiring
• moving
• arousing
• sparking
• inciting
• exciting
• motivating
• instigating
• inducing
• driving
• triggering
• firing (up)
• revving (up)
• igniting
• impassioning
• galvanizing
• piquing
• fanning
• motiving
• activating
• building a fire under
• energizing
• kindling
• animating
• inflaming
• fomenting
• fermenting
• quickening
• angering
• vitalizing
• bothering
• enraging
• taunting
• raising
• setting off
• teasing
• upsetting
• maddening
• whipping (up)
• keying (up)
• pumping up
• jeering
• getting
• irritating
• abetting
• exasperating
• aggravating
• annoying
• vexing
• galling

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• soothing
• calming
• subduing
• tranquilizing
• placating
• appeasing
• pacifying
• mollifying

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of stirring

Adjective

While Mexico has never won a World Cup, Mexico City’s iconic Estadio Azteca has been the site of some of Argentina’s greatest soccer triumphs, notably its championship in the stirring 1986 World Cup. — Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026

Although Women in Love’s not-so-subtle homoeroticism caused it to be banned in Turkey, it’s now widely considered Russell’s most stirring work. — Liam Hess, Vogue, 28 June 2026

Noun

Haaland’s singularity was a testament to how humanity seeks heroes — but Spain’s ultimate triumph via crisp passes and selfless teamwork offered a stirring, convincing collective counterpoint. — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026

The caramelization process can take about an hour on the stovetop, with constant stirring to prevent sticking or burning. — Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 17 July 2026

Verb

Cook, stirring occasionally, until very soft and saucy, about 20 minutes. — Kate Williams, AJC.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Turn up the heat to high and cook, stirring often, until the meat is totally cooked through (no longer pink) and the zucchini is tender, 6 to 8 minutes. — ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026