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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stirring
Jim Farber, Rolling Stone, 5 June 2025
For the past 15 years, the first spectacular adaptation of the Cressida Cowell book has thrilled audiences as the most emotionally stirring cartoon not made by Pixar.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 10 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
His first effort for the latter label channeled all of his frustrations into a stirring 1992concept album about race called Don’t Call Me Buckwheat.
—Jim Farber, Rolling Stone, 5 June 2025
For the past 15 years, the first spectacular adaptation of the Cressida Cowell book has thrilled audiences as the most emotionally stirring cartoon not made by Pixar.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 10 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
-
Runners will love the 1,300-foot outdoor running track located on the hotel’s rooftop featuring breathtaking views of the city.—
Monica Mendal,
Vogue,
1 July 2025
-
The 54-year-old actor kicked back in a luxury seaside bungalow, complete with a private infinity pool and breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea.—
Elizabeth Ayoola,
Essence,
24 June 2025
Adjective
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That said, this bit felt like a very important emotional conclusion, that real change had finally been achieved between these two characters.—
Dalton Ross,
EW.com,
23 June 2025
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Plus, the scripts try to yank on our heartstrings with some maudlin moments that don’t quite land, including a grim twist for one main character that feels tacked on just to add some emotional stakes.—
Dave Nemetz,
TVLine,
23 June 2025
Verb
-
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
-
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
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
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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
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In our house, television is allowed on weekends but not on school days, which, by Saturday, makes getting downstairs and turning it on all the more exciting and urgent for him.—
Jana Pollack,
Parents,
24 June 2025
-
New Version Sells Well On June 13, ABBA re-released its namesake album on exciting formats.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
24 June 2025
Adjective
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Bailey flashed a sweet jumper and impressive athleticism but struggled with his shot selection and had more turnovers than assists.—
Mike Vorkunov,
New York Times,
26 June 2025
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Amazon’s stock has already delivered impressive gains, rising over 150% from $85 levels in early 2023 to around $210 now.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2025
Adjective
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Meanwhile, Lucas was busy writing his own take on Episodes VII, VIII, and IX, before ultimately deciding to hand off his empire to the House of Mouse.—
Daryl Baxter,
Space.com,
28 June 2025
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As Lauryn was busy working at her warehouse alongside sister Jessica Shannon and her friend Paisley, June stopped by to inform them of her big plan.—
Dory Jackson,
People.com,
28 June 2025
Noun
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Her off-ball movement, pace and clinical finishing are sure to strike fear into any and all opponents.—
Neel Shelat,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2025
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The ensuing Stonewall protests are considered the birth of the modern gay rights movement.—
Nicholas Williams,
New York Daily News,
29 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stirring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stirring. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
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