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
Leslie Kelly, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Among the film’s quietest, yet most stirring turns is Elle Fanning’s performance as Rachel, a famous American actress starring in Gustav’s latest film.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 31 Aug. 2025
Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 16 Sep. 2025
Manas is deeply emotional, stirring, and God forbid… important.
—Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2025
Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 2 Oct. 2025
Cook, stirring often, until apples are slightly softened, about 8 minutes.
—Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stirring
Adjective
The stirring soundtrack is another reason to check out this series, which is produced by Bluefoot Entertainment.
—Leslie Kelly, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Among the film’s quietest, yet most stirring turns is Elle Fanning’s performance as Rachel, a famous American actress starring in Gustav’s latest film.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 31 Aug. 2025
Noun
Just a little bit of stirring is required to serve up this hearty stew for dinner.
—Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 16 Sep. 2025
Manas is deeply emotional, stirring, and God forbid… important.
—Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
Cook, stirring often, until lightly browned, about 6 minutes.
—Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 2 Oct. 2025
Cook, stirring often, until apples are slightly softened, about 8 minutes.
—Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stirring
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stirring
Adjective
-
This is a breathtaking abuse of the law and power.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
5 Oct. 2025
-
Glen Manor Vineyards and Chester Gap Cellars both offer open-air tasting patios that showcase breathtaking views of the Shenandoah Valley.—
Erin Gifford,
Southern Living,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The entire scene unfolded on Neuheisel’s network, which invited viewers to witness the emotional roller coaster of a father rooting for his son.—
Scott Dochterman,
New York Times,
5 Oct. 2025
-
See the emotional exchange here.—
Griselda Flores,
Billboard,
4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Just down the hill, West Hollywood has lots of other diversions to keep you entertained and at ease, including award-winning spas, sushi omakase at the always-buzzing Uchi, and endless workout opportunities from group fitness classes to Runyon Canyon hikes.—
Erika Owen,
Architectural Digest,
23 Sep. 2025
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The space itself — bright, polished, and buzzing — sets the tone for a brunch that’s chic without being stiff.—
Rai Mincey,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Look no further than Larroudé (every It-girl’s footwear retailer of choice nowadays) and its wide selection of shoe styles that are perfectly timed to the shifting of the seasons and your urgent need to make the style statement of the century.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
2 Oct. 2025
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Since starting Fulham’s season opener against Brighton & Hove Albion after a strong pre-season, King has become a key contributor to the side’s shape-shifting on the pitch with his relentless work-rate and clever movement out of possession, and tidiness with the ball.—
Anantaajith Raghuraman,
New York Times,
22 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The debuts of an unprecedented number of designers at brands from Dior to Chanel and Versace have been swirling around Michele and the house of Valentino is now being led by a new chief executive officer, Riccardo Bellini, who succeeded Jacopo Venturini in August.—
Luisa Zargani,
Footwear News,
3 Oct. 2025
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Stretching to the pointed edge of the property is a 62-foot-long rectangular infinity pool adorned with mosaic tiles in swirling shapes that mimic the greenish glow of bioluminescence.—
Katie Schultz,
Architectural Digest,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Hurts then hit Jahan Dotson for 24 yards, moving the Eagles to the Denver 29-yard line with nine seconds left.—
Nick Kosmider,
New York Times,
6 Oct. 2025
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In a positive sign, Nunoo was moving his hands and fingers, according to Sutton.—
Walter Villa,
Miami Herald,
5 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Throughout the weekend, McIlroy and other European players sparred with fans, provoking the Irish golfer in at least one instance to yell back at the crowd, while others flashed middle fingers in response to the jeers.—
Anna Lazarus Caplan,
PEOPLE,
30 Sep. 2025
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There was the invasion, the election deniers, and a leader provoking his audience to do something.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Their stories capture the creativity, resilience, and ambition that are making Arizona one of the most exciting places for innovation and entrepreneurship in 2025.—
Wyles Daniel,
AZCentral.com,
2 Oct. 2025
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Stories can be prepared, but since most decisions ultimately fall to the roll of the dice, there’s an exciting spontaneity for the millions of people watching at home.—
Elisabeth Garber-Paul,
Rolling Stone,
2 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stirring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stirring. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
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