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
Inkoo Kang,
New Yorker,
22 May 2026
She’s forced to deliver a stirring speech to convince him.
—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
11 May 2026
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 June 2026
Sit in mushrooms, zucchini, cheese and basil, cooking and stirring constantly until eggs coat ingredients.
—
Philip Potempa,
Chicago Tribune,
19 June 2026
Emily Siner,
NPR,
27 June 2026
Let stand, stirring occasionally, until peaches release juices, about 10 minutes.
—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
27 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for stirring
Adjective
The stirring power of soul is alive in a few cross-generational musicians carrying on the legacy in distinct ways.
—
Inkoo Kang,
New Yorker,
22 May 2026
She’s forced to deliver a stirring speech to convince him.
—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
11 May 2026
Noun
Continue boiling at a moderate, steady rate, without stirring, for 3 to 4 minutes more or until caramel is a rich brown color but not burnt.
—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 June 2026
Sit in mushrooms, zucchini, cheese and basil, cooking and stirring constantly until eggs coat ingredients.
—
Philip Potempa,
Chicago Tribune,
19 June 2026
Verb
Add the greens and/or vegetables, in stages as necessary, and toss in the garlicky oil, then add the sauce and cook to your liking, stirring frequently.
—
Emily Siner,
NPR,
27 June 2026
Let stand, stirring occasionally, until peaches release juices, about 10 minutes.
—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
27 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for stirring
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stirring
Adjective
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Alberto Carvalho, who has been under FBI investigation for four months, resigned Sunday night as leader of the nation’s second-largest school system, bringing a breathtaking end to one of the district’s most consequential and high-profile tenures.
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In his 18½ years at the Fed, Greenspan presided over a breathtaking surge in stock prices and a 10-year economic boom that began in March 1991.
Adjective
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Contreras, meanwhile, entered Tuesday's game after an emotional stretch.
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Humanitarian workers say the emotional toll is becoming increasingly visible inside temporary shelters.
Adjective
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Scott Usheroff The wine scene has evolved from hobby industry to a buzzing, blooming viticulture scene.
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The device will completely block the ear canal and cause a low buzzing noise that makes drifting off hard.
Noun
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The shifting, changing elements and extreme variation is a foundational principle baked into the DNA.
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This resulted in a deliberate shifting of certain emphases, new characters being introduced, and other adjustments.
Verb
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And across the almost-year since, speculation has been swirling.
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The American great had just lost to France’s Harmony Tan in the first round of the grass court major and questions about her future were swirling around this leafy corner of London.
Verb
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Ashton's journey from moving bins to cleaning them demonstrates that a complete roadmap isn't necessary; curiosity and taking the next step are crucial.
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These wearable devices are rapidly moving away from novelty into the mainstream.
Verb
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If that conversation also seems too anxiety-provoking, focus on modes of communication that do feel accessible to you.
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Temperatures reached historic highs Historic high temperatures in 2003, surpassed this time, were blamed for 15,000 deaths, provoking a national reckoning about care of older people, who were particularly hard-hit.
Adjective
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Not the most exciting half of soccer considering what else has gone on during the World Cup.
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Johnny is a former professional baseball player, which is exciting for Coop, who comes from a family of ball players.
Cite this Entry
“Stirring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stirring. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
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