stirring (up)

verb

Definition of stirring (up)next
present participle of stir (up)
as in provoking
to bring something (volatile or intense) into being couldn't stir up any interest in a Saturday morning outing to the art museum

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stirring (up)
  1. provoking
  2. raising
  3. promoting
Verb
  • Its New York chapter’s response to the October 7 mass murder and mass rape of Israeli civilians was to blame Israel for provoking the attacks.
    — David Brooks, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026
  • If that conversation also seems too anxiety-provoking, focus on modes of communication that do feel accessible to you.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026
Definition of provoking
Verb
  • Millions of homeowners who secured ultra-low mortgage rates before the Federal Reserve began raising interest rates in 2022 are reluctant to sell because doing so would likely mean taking on a much more expensive mortgage.
    — Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
  • If your diet is full of fresh fruits and vegetables, the cyclosporiasis outbreak spiking across the country may be raising concerns on what to eat.
    — Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 10 July 2026
Definition of raising
Verb
  • Instead of promoting their efforts, Republican lawmakers were left scrambling when the president abruptly withdrew his support over a separate political fight.
    — Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
  • Critics have said such cases have become more frequent and accuse Modi’s government of promoting films that align with its nationalist narrative.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 July 2026
Definition of promoting
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Browse Nearby Words

stirrings
stirring (up)
stirs
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Cite this Entry

“Stirring (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stirring%20%28up%29. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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