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
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2
as in emotional
having the power to affect the feelings or sympathies
a stirring rendition of the national anthem
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3
as in buzzing
marked by much life, movement, or activity
spring has arrived, and the meadow is stirring with life
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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
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1
2
as in moving
to change one's position
the cat stirred, then opened its eyes and slowly got to its feet
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stirring
David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2025
The Source Gin 2oz The Reid Vodka Instructions: Add ice into stirring glass.
—Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 29 Jan. 2025
But there are some stirrings of Republican discontent over Hegseth.
—Niall Stanage, The Hill, 22 Apr. 2025
Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 5 Jan. 2025
Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally until almost soft, about 5 minutes.
—Ivy Odom, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stirring
Adjective
The movie goes beyond a survival thriller by introducing tender familial drama, a stirring spiritual thread and notes of sly humor.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2025
The Source Gin 2oz The Reid Vodka Instructions: Add ice into stirring glass.
—Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Noun
Get The Recipe 07 of 20 Texas Caviar Just some chopping and stirring are required to whip up this classic dip.
—Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 29 Jan. 2025
But there are some stirrings of Republican discontent over Hegseth.
—Niall Stanage, The Hill, 22 Apr. 2025
Verb
Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, then remove from heat.
—Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 5 Jan. 2025
Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally until almost soft, about 5 minutes.
—Ivy Odom, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stirring
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stirring
Adjective
-
Set atop a hill with a breathtaking view over the city, Kiyomizu-dera offered us a beautiful blend of history, culture, nature, and spirituality—all in one unforgettable stop.—
Stacey Leasca,
Travel + Leisure,
14 July 2025
-
First images reveal stunning cosmic details The first images show breathtaking views of the Trifid Nebula and Lagoon Nebula, captured over a seven-hour period.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
Jackson added that his studio helps people clear their mental and emotional vessels through yoga and meditation, aiding in stress management and overall well-being.—
Dominique Fluker,
Essence,
5 July 2025
-
Cortisol rises during times of emotional or physical stress.—
Renée Onque,
CNBC,
5 July 2025
Verb
-
The Daytime Emmys, which traditionally air in June (except when COVID and then the Hollywood strikes forced some rescheduling), will be shifting to October this year.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
8 Jan. 2025
-
The combination of low humidity, dry fuels, and shifting winds has heightened the potential for spot fires and rapid expansion.—
Russell Lewis,
NPR,
8 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
This will deepen the divide between the global North and South on issues of race and cultural difference, straining the West’s diplomatic relations with countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America while provoking broader resentment toward Western countries seen as perpetuating racial hierarchies.—
Matias Spektor,
Foreign Affairs,
7 Jan. 2025
-
In 2008, the United States suggested that Georgia and Ukraine might eventually join the alliance but offered no concrete path to membership, thus provoking Russia without effectively deterring it.—
Michael Beckley,
Foreign Affairs,
7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Step into the rhythm of the day with ESSENCE PRESENTS: THE COLLECTIVE SET—an immersive sonic experience powered by today’s most exciting DJ crews and music collectives.—
Essence,
Essence,
7 July 2025
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But his most exciting job is as a private investigator.—
Richard Johnson,
New York Daily News,
6 July 2025
Adjective
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The All-American scored nine goals and added eight assists while registering an impressive 80-percent faceoff winning percentage.—
Brendan Connelly,
Boston Herald,
7 July 2025
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Banchero and Wagner don’t want to merely record impressive scoring marks.—
Jason Beede,
The Orlando Sentinel,
7 July 2025
Adjective
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Mammoth Bar - This seemed to be the busiest place during the day due to its convenient location right next to Mammoth’s 1st tee and 18th green.—
Jeff Goudy,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
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Called Artificial Intelligence for Managing Integrated Environmental Elements, or Aimee, the tech is meant to assist air traffic controllers at busy international hubs.—
Adrienne Bernhard,
Scientific American,
10 July 2025
Noun
-
Sitting in a chair that supports movement, such as one with a self-adjusting recline mechanism, can help prevent this condition, according to Puleio.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
11 July 2025
-
Hardiman wants young people to have a better understanding of how violence affects the community and become leaders in this peace movement.—
La Risa R. Lynch,
jsonline.com,
11 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stirring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stirring. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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