as in incentive
something that arouses action or activity
seeing a Broadway play for the first time was the stimulus for her career in the theater
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of stimulus
Seana Dowling-Guyer, an animal behaviorist at Tufts University who was not involved in the research, argues that before tuning into their favorite shows, owners should learn how their pets react to different stimuli, per Science News—presumably to avoid further stressing an already nervous pup.
—
Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 July 2025
Barack Obama hailed the promise of high-speed rail and Democrats approved billions of dollars of funds for the project as part of his economic stimulus program in 2009.
—The Editors, National Review, 18 July 2025
Adolescents are already navigating intense social comparison, and platforms like TikTok or Instagram magnify this by serving up endless stimuli about gym routines, diets, and beauty regimens.
—Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 17 July 2025
Your intellectual and creative sides combine beautifully, making this a prime time to socialize and engage in mental stimuli.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 4 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for stimulus
Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 July 2025
Barack Obama hailed the promise of high-speed rail and Democrats approved billions of dollars of funds for the project as part of his economic stimulus program in 2009.
—The Editors, National Review, 18 July 2025
Adolescents are already navigating intense social comparison, and platforms like TikTok or Instagram magnify this by serving up endless stimuli about gym routines, diets, and beauty regimens.
—Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 17 July 2025
Your intellectual and creative sides combine beautifully, making this a prime time to socialize and engage in mental stimuli.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 4 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for stimulus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stimulus
Noun
-
During a Monday press conference, lawmakers and The Boring Co. officials did not share details on any incentives The Boring Co. receives.—
Karoline Leonard,
Austin American Statesman,
31 July 2025
-
Loyalty programs—built through airline partnerships, premium tiers and behavioral incentives—can further deepen trust and retention.—
Baranitharan Venkatakrishnan,
Forbes.com,
31 July 2025
Noun
-
This served as a mighty impetus to spur the Space Race.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
-
Devastating seizures in young children were the impetus for the compensation program.—
Patricia Callahan,
CNN Money,
18 July 2025
Noun
-
Axios reported last month that Trump stopped short of endorsing Rogers during a February dinner at Mar-a-Lago with Republican senators, but offered encouragement.—
M.L. Elrick,
Freep.com,
23 July 2025
-
Others shared words of encouragement and admiration for Savage.—
Colson Thayer,
People.com,
22 July 2025
Noun
-
One of the main motivations for the group of firefighters during their recovery missions was to locate the missing Camp Mystic girls during their six days along the Guadalupe, Herrera said.—
Graham Hurley,
CNN Money,
27 July 2025
-
Each situation is unique, but common motivations include: Seeking a faster or more reliable connection Looking for lower monthly costs or promotional deals Wanting better customer service Needing service at a new address due to a move Switching providers can help improve your home Wi-Fi experience.—
Roxanne Downer,
USA Today,
26 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stimulus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stimulus. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share