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

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

This steadfast faith was repaid via the stirring end to the campaign that brought not only promotion to the third tier but also his third consecutive club player of the year award. — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 26 June 2026

Noun

The speech that Coleman Domingo made demanding an end to cover-ups was passionate and stirring. — Adam Frank, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026

Just six ingredients and a little stirring are required to get this casserole into the oven. — Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 24 June 2026

Verb

Add onion; cook 3 to 5 minutes or until translucent, stirring frequently. — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Aug. 2026

Cover and cook 30 to 35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until green beans are softened and tomatoes have broken down. — Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 5 Aug. 2026