stimulant
noun
stim·u·lant
ˈstim-yə-lənt 
1
: an agent (such as a drug) that produces a temporary increase of the functional activity or efficiency of an organism or any of its parts
2
: stimulus
3
: an alcoholic beverage
—not used technically
stimulant
adjective
Examples of stimulant in a Sentence
The movie was a stimulant to discussion.
the relaxed zoning regulations should serve as a stimulant for development in the area
Recent Examples on the Web
While stimulants like Adderall and Concerta affect dopamine, newer antidepressants such as Lexapro or Prozac affect serotonin.
—
Ayah Imran, Freep.com, 24 July 2025
Nicotine pouches — which users tuck between their lip and gum and later discard — can contain as much as 6 milligrams of nicotine, a stimulant, and have been promoted as tobacco-free, spit-free and hands-free alternatives to cigarettes and chewing tobacco.
—Erika Edwards, NBC news, 14 July 2025
Essentially, medication for ADHD – like stimulants – were not to blame for poor sleep outcomes, nor were the drugs doing anything to really help.
—New Atlas, 14 July 2025
Psychiatric drugs, including antidepressants, stimulants, and mood stabilizers, can change how your body responds to stress, including heat.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for stimulant
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Ayah Imran, Freep.com, 24 July 2025
Nicotine pouches — which users tuck between their lip and gum and later discard — can contain as much as 6 milligrams of nicotine, a stimulant, and have been promoted as tobacco-free, spit-free and hands-free alternatives to cigarettes and chewing tobacco.
—Erika Edwards, NBC news, 14 July 2025
Essentially, medication for ADHD – like stimulants – were not to blame for poor sleep outcomes, nor were the drugs doing anything to really help.
—New Atlas, 14 July 2025
Psychiatric drugs, including antidepressants, stimulants, and mood stabilizers, can change how your body responds to stress, including heat.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for stimulant
Cite this Entry
“Stimulant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stimulant. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
stimulant
noun
stim·u·lant
ˈstim-yə-lənt
1
: something (as a drug) that temporarily increases the activity or efficiency of the body or one of its parts
a heart stimulant
2
stimulant
adjective
Medical Definition
stimulant
noun
stim·u·lant
ˈstim-yə-lənt
1
: an agent (as a drug) that produces a temporary increase of the functional activity or efficiency of an organism or any of its parts
2
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