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
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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
Richard Newby, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2025
After a stirring Game 1 between the Nuggets and Clippers, here are three trends to watch Monday in Game 2 and for the remainder of the first-round series.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 20 Apr. 2025
Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 27 Feb. 2025
This evidence for the presence of liquid water on the ancient body from which Bennu formed provides a tantalizing possibility: the possibility that Bennu’s progenitor may have seen the first stirrings of life.
—Tom Hawking, Popular Science, 29 Jan. 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
But this isn’t a fire-and-brimstone movie, and music, such stirring music performed by Caton and composer Ludwig Goransson, won’t damn us.
—Richard Newby, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2025
After a stirring Game 1 between the Nuggets and Clippers, here are three trends to watch Monday in Game 2 and for the remainder of the first-round series.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 20 Apr. 2025
Noun
Johanna’s worldly bearing and otherworldly beauty; the unbearable stirrings of jealousy aroused when her teacher bonds with other students; the deeper bond that forms when Johanne impulsively pays a visit to Johanna’s apartment.
—Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 27 Feb. 2025
This evidence for the presence of liquid water on the ancient body from which Bennu formed provides a tantalizing possibility: the possibility that Bennu’s progenitor may have seen the first stirrings of life.
—Tom Hawking, Popular Science, 29 Jan. 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
-
Tim Duncan has 37 points and 16 rebounds, and Tony Parker adds 27 points to help the San Antonio Spurs overpower the Lakers 110-82 to win the Western Conference semifinal series 4-2. 2004 — With one breathtaking surge, Smarty Jones posts a record 11½-length victory in the Preakness.—
Houston Mitchell,
Los Angeles Times,
15 May 2025
-
Known for her boundary-pushing creativity and breathtaking stage presence, Taylor will also be spearheading the creative direction for the 106 & Park 25th Anniversary Tribute.—
Shelby Stewart,
Essence,
15 May 2025
Adjective
-
Lawrence — mother to two children now — was visibly emotional talking about working with Ramsay on the subject matter.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
18 May 2025
-
Women who responded to the video were emotional, Capuano said.—
Madeline Mitchell,
USA Today,
18 May 2025
Verb
-
As of next year, the European Film Academy is shifting its gala from December to mid-January to better position the EFAs in the award season.—
Scott Roxborough,
The Hollywood Reporter,
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
-
While seemingly indifferent, like Yi-young, Gi-on actually finds the department exciting and wants to stay.—
Kayti Burt,
Time,
19 May 2025
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There were a variety of topics covered today, including what the ramifications of failing to qualify for the Champions League would be, who should replace Alexander Isak against Everton if the striker is declared unfit, Sean Longstaff's future, and whether exciting, marquee signings will arrive.—
Chris Waugh,
New York Times,
19 May 2025
Adjective
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It’s got a wide range from super fine powdery grains to cracked peppercorns and has impressive output with fewer twists.—
Adam Campbell-Schmitt,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
20 May 2025
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Throughout the past three seasons, the show has also boasted an impressive roster of A-list guest stars, including Jamie Lee Curtis, Joel McHale, John Mulaney, Bob Odenkirk, Will Poulter, Olivia Colman, Sarah Paulson, Molly Ringwald, John Cena and Josh Hartnett.—
Ethan Shanfeld,
Variety,
20 May 2025
Adjective
-
Topline Newark Liberty International Airport experienced a lengthy air traffic control outage Sunday morning, shortly before Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the airport should scale back its operations amid air traffic control issues at the busy New Jersey airport.—
Suzanne Rowan Kelleher,
Forbes.com,
11 May 2025
-
New hotels are addressing the long-standing lack of good accommodations, and the harbor is now a busy stop for cruise ships bound for Lisbon and Málaga.—
Christopher Bagley,
Travel + Leisure,
11 May 2025
Noun
-
As institutions fractured, migratory movements pushed not from Africa to Europe, but from Europe to Africa, and a new order began to emerge, Augustine interpreted the signs of discordant times.—
Anna Rowlands,
Time,
12 May 2025
-
The incident at the center of the cases unfolded after days of complaints from some UCLA faculty and students that a protest encampment was blocking free movement on campus and leading to the harassment of Jewish students.—
James Queally,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stirring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stirring. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
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