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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stimulus
Increasingly, innovators are exploring how sound, vibration, and other physical stimuli might support natural physiological processes.
—
Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026
In 2022, the economy was still rebounding strongly from COVID, with the vestiges of a big fiscal stimulus at its back.
—John Cassidy, New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2026
While intended as a pandemic-era stimulus program, the breakthrough measure was seen as boosting the euro’s status as reserve asset.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 13 Mar. 2026
Silence and Darkness Induces a Meditative State Sensory deprivation, the intentional removal of external stimuli like sounds or visuals (a la sitting in a coffin), can reduce brain stimulation and cause a state of deep relaxation.
—Julia Ries Wexler, Outside, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stimulus
Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026
In 2022, the economy was still rebounding strongly from COVID, with the vestiges of a big fiscal stimulus at its back.
—John Cassidy, New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2026
While intended as a pandemic-era stimulus program, the breakthrough measure was seen as boosting the euro’s status as reserve asset.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 13 Mar. 2026
Silence and Darkness Induces a Meditative State Sensory deprivation, the intentional removal of external stimuli like sounds or visuals (a la sitting in a coffin), can reduce brain stimulation and cause a state of deep relaxation.
—Julia Ries Wexler, Outside, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stimulus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stimulus
Noun
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This is not an indictment of individuals but of incentives built into a system structured to protect bureaucracy while classrooms absorb the pressure.—
Daniel L Gordon,
Daily News,
29 Mar. 2026
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This investment would be best paired with incentives to companies to offer greater part-time and flexible work options.—
Abby McCloskey,
Twin Cities,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
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And taking small steps to connect with others — even as simple as engaging in idle chitchat with a stranger — can be an impetus for broader change.—
Keith Wagstaff,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2026
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Didn’t even know what the impetus was for the saying.—
Evan Grant,
Dallas Morning News,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Paddack noted how Sandy Alcantara came to him in the dugout and gave him words of encouragement.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
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The Giants never led in the series, so Vitello didn’t get to deploy his bullpen in a late-game situation with a lead to protect, but the early returns from the relievers are reason for encouragement.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
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What were the hostage takers’ motivations?—
Graham Womack,
Sacbee.com,
4 Apr. 2026
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The other is a patchy, unpersuasive psychodrama about the underlying motivations and years-later ramifications of an unspeakable act—or, in this case, an unrealized plan to commit an unspeakable act.—
Hannah Jocelyn,
New Yorker,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stimulus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stimulus. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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