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
  • But his profound reflections are punctuated by superb slapstick, slyly symbolic sleight-of-hand and, yes, some serious Shakespeare that make for an equally entertaining and thought-provoking hour.
    — Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The author warns that humanity's insistence on supremacy could lead to conflict with advanced AI, even provoking existential threats.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of provoking
Verb
  • Previous contracts establishing long-term benefits have been set in increments of 10 or even 20 years, raising the stakes for labor and the state.
    — Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The war in the Middle East has made cargoes more scarce and, in turn, more expensive, raising the prospects of another energy crunch.
    — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of raising
Verb
  • On social media, influencers are everywhere, sharing shopping recommendations and lifestyle content or promoting beliefs about health or politics.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Vogue’s September cover star has been on an LBD kick as of late, promoting her new show, The Shards, in everything from a Breakfast at Tiffany’s-esque Prada number to an ode to Carolyn Bessette Kennedy.
    — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 14 Aug. 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 16 Aug. 2026.

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