1
as in exciting
causing great emotional or mental stimulation
enjoys the good food and stimulating conversation at his best friend's house
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in refreshing
having a renewing effect on the state of the body or mind
a brisk, stimulating walk on a bright, clear wintry day
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in provocative
serving or likely to arouse a strong reaction
an article containing a stimulating argument for raising, not lowering, the tax on gasoline
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in arousing
to give life, vigor, or spirit to
research into alternative energy sources has been stimulated by this funding increase
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in provoking
to rouse to strong feeling or action
the government crackdown has only stimulated the citizenry to more acts of violence
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stimulating
Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 8 Apr. 2026
Musk recently embraced the phrase with a meme of eyes reddened from the intoxicating exhaustion of situation monitoring—a recreation more stimulating, the joke goes, than any chemical substance.
—Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 11 Mar. 2026
Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Apr. 2026
Key Points Lawn aeration is the process of pulling small cores of soil from the grass, stimulating growth.
—Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stimulating
Adjective
Engaging in mentally stimulating activities works neural pathways in the brain, while exercise improves blood flow to the brain and prompts muscles to contract, Hwang said.
—Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 8 Apr. 2026
Musk recently embraced the phrase with a meme of eyes reddened from the intoxicating exhaustion of situation monitoring—a recreation more stimulating, the joke goes, than any chemical substance.
—Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 11 Mar. 2026
Verb
Bishop also recommends avoiding chartreuse in bedrooms because of how stimulating the color can be.
—Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Apr. 2026
Key Points Lawn aeration is the process of pulling small cores of soil from the grass, stimulating growth.
—Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stimulating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stimulating
Adjective
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But that exciting crash sequence — from initial turbulence through to catastrophic Pacific Ocean landing — is where high-stakes action specialist Harlin is most firmly in his sweet spot.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Friends, networks and social circles can bring exciting connections now.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The guests, influenced by a secondhand spirit of festivity, ordered a round of Melonades, a refreshing, bittersweet concoction of vodka, lemon, and cantaloupe, topped with a heap of crushed ice.—
Dan Stahl,
New Yorker,
1 May 2026
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This month, a refreshing energy drink alternative, moreish Parmesan ranch potato chips, and our current favorite wood cutting board.—
Alaina Chou,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The police did not respond to a list of questions from CNN, including which instructions were not followed, which conduct was suspicious and why possessing a camera is seen as provocative.—
Oren Liebermann,
CNN Money,
28 Apr. 2026
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So, what does the provocative British artist have to do with all of this?—
Leigh Anne Miller,
ARTnews.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Today, fiery Mars moves to the top of your chart to stay for the next six weeks, arousing your ambition as never before.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
9 Apr. 2026
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No clear catalyst One reason the surge in oil futures trading is arousing suspicion is that no market-moving announcements were slated for Monday morning, such as government economic releases or speeches from Federal Reserve officials.—
Aimee Picchi,
CBS News,
24 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Aliens, dystopian nightmares, and twisted realities are more than likely provoking a reaction from viewers that flies a lot closer to terrified.—
Grace Dean,
Space.com,
2 May 2026
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Through the band members’ stories, Méndez guides readers expertly through a historical landscape that may be unfamiliar to them and examines thought-provoking ideas about art and protest.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
1 May 2026
Adjective
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Their property sits in a short valley, with breathtaking views of the mountains in a small clearing.—
Spencer Wilson,
CBS News,
2 May 2026
-
Last fall, the cast and crew filmed key scenes throughout Milan (such as the Dolce & Gabbana fashion show) as well as at the breathtaking Villa Balbiano on Lake Como.—
Mara Reinstein,
Architectural Digest,
1 May 2026
Adjective
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At a charged political moment, her relatively sober look seemed intended to keep the focus on POTUS.—
Vogue,
Vogue,
12 Dec. 2025
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What Happens Next Greene is likely to continue stoking controversy by breaking with her party, as conversations around immigration remain charged and divisive.—
Alia Shoaib,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Day sessions usually include something energizing like yoga or mat Pilates, while evenings offer stretching and meditation.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 Apr. 2026
-
This can create a connection that’s deeply magnetic, energizing and all-consuming.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stimulating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stimulating. Accessed 5 May. 2026.
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