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
Jerry Beach, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
If 10 years from now this site is still a massive vacant lot, the Lincoln Yards embarrassment will make Block 37 look by comparison a stirring success.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2025
Robert W. Merry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025
Apart from the stirrings of older Indian, Ottoman, and Persian power centers, the most important difference today is the displacement of Japan by China as the central player in the Asian balance of power.
—Stephen Kotkin, Foreign Affairs, 14 June 2018
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
And no one embraced the Island like Gillies, who famously enjoyed spending his summers in the ‘80s playing charity softball games and later reflected the area’s boisterous enthusiasm for the Islanders during the final run at Nassau Coliseum during the stirring surge to the 2021 NHL semifinals.
—Jerry Beach, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
If 10 years from now this site is still a massive vacant lot, the Lincoln Yards embarrassment will make Block 37 look by comparison a stirring success.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2025
Noun
But its early stirrings emerged in McKinley’s foreign policy and its philosophical underpinnings.
—Robert W. Merry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025
Apart from the stirrings of older Indian, Ottoman, and Persian power centers, the most important difference today is the displacement of Japan by China as the central player in the Asian balance of power.
—Stephen Kotkin, Foreign Affairs, 14 June 2018
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
-
Along with the breathtaking ocean views, each of the 173 rooms and suites also has a private balcony with an outdoor soaking tub.—
Dobrina Zhekova,
Travel + Leisure,
17 Apr. 2025
-
The 21-minute bout was a breathtaking display of the craft.—
Justin Barrasso,
Boston Herald,
16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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These tools aim to improve market prediction by understanding emotional and thematic patterns in earnings calls and press releases.—
Lester Pereira,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
-
Controversy over wolf management can become more emotional and political than scientific.—
Olivia Ferrari,
Smithsonian Magazine,
24 Apr. 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
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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
-
Complementing Lewis’s exciting outfits is his daring jewelry style.—
Daisy Shaw-Ellis,
Vogue,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Hunter is headed to the Jacksonville Jaguars (such an exciting moment for this team).—
Robyn Mowatt,
Essence,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Cleetus McFarland, the popular automotive YouTuber whose real name is Garrett Mitchell, finished in an impressive P10 in the ARCA Menards Series at Talladega.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Apr. 2025
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What an impressive performance so far by the Clippers in this playoff series against the Nuggets.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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But some of America’s most popular parks also require reservations, particularly during their busy season: summer.—
Eve Chen,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2025
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Emporium Selection Summer Gouda Assortment A good cheese ready in your fridge for guests, whether expected or not, can make a world of difference for a busy host.—
Abigail Wilt,
Southern Living,
29 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The physical symptoms of anxiety, racing thoughts, tightness in the chest, and excess energy can be redirected into movement (exercise), mindfulness, or strategic thinking.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
1 May 2025
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Commentary about recent protest movements including the harsh crackdown on student protesters over the war in Gaza have evoked grim comparisons to theKent State massacre in 1970.—
Made by History,
Time,
30 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stirring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stirring. Accessed 4 May. 2025.
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