1
2
as in to shift
to change one's position
the cat stirred, then opened its eyes and slowly got to its feet
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to provoke
to rouse to strong feeling or action
news coverage of the fire stirred many to send donations to a fund for the families who had lost their homes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in commotion
a state of noisy, confused activity
the plane's first jolt caused a stir among the passengers, and by the third one they were in a panic
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in shifting
the act or an instance of changing position
we were warned that the slightest stir would scare the mother bird so we hardly dared to breathe
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in jail
a place of confinement for persons held in lawful custody
the mule had just got out of stir and was being followed by the feds, who had their sights set on the kingpin of the operation
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 stir
Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 2 Apr. 2026
Use the potato masher to mix and stir the mixture to thoroughly combine.
—Kate Williams, AJC.com, 2 Apr. 2026
Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
Despite 30 7/8-inch arms that caused quite the stir at the combine, Bain is dominant off the edge.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stir
Verb
Prone to flooding, the Trinity has a soft bottom that’s constantly being stirred, causing prehistoric fossils and bones to surface.
—Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 2 Apr. 2026
Use the potato masher to mix and stir the mixture to thoroughly combine.
—Kate Williams, AJC.com, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
No kitchen is complete without a skillet, and this well-sized model is perfect for searing, stir-frying, sauteing and more.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
Despite 30 7/8-inch arms that caused quite the stir at the combine, Bain is dominant off the edge.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stir
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stir
Verb
-
The second shows the entire globe with the oceans topped by swirling white tendrils of clouds.—
Marcia Dunn,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Meanwhile, speculation continues to swirl about the DOJ’s future.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
And in late February, just as attention began to shift away from Gaza, Israel and the United States launched a joint attack on Iran—a potentially epochal war that may end up dividing Jewish Americans no less than the Gaza war did, particularly if the conflict drags on and casualties mount.—
Eyal Press,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Yainer Diaz softly grounded a first-pitch fastball, but toward an opening in the Angels’ shifted infield for a two-run single.—
Matt Kawahara,
Houston Chronicle,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
But Felder also feared that the attack would provoke unprecedented violence against Palestinians, and believed that being Jewish required adhering to certain moral precepts.—
Eyal Press,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Analysts have warned such a move could provoke wider retaliation and further destabilize shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of the world’s oil supply passes.—
Steve Mollman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Raw meat was frozen in trash bags and an employee washed dishes without rinsing them.—
Eleanor Nash,
Kansas City Star,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The manager ordered more sanitizer and bleach during the inspection, and the dishware was corrected to be washed manually until the dishwasher has more sanitizer.—
Paige Moore,
AZCentral.com,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Prisoners have been moved because of staffing, food, and capacity shortages at the facilities where they were being held.—
Cora Engelbrecht,
New Yorker,
3 Apr. 2026
-
The rain will start to clear out Sunday evening as the front moves through and begins to usher in drier, but cooler temperatures for next week.—
Bill Kelly,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
And there were a number of terrorist organizations that sought to encourage the British to leave, thus creating a united Ireland.—
Colm Tóibín,
The New York Review of Books,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Teammates encouraged her and one even lifted her chin, but the damage was done.—
David Brandt,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Liveried valets addressed me by name, whisked away my luggage, and accompanied me up a flight of stairs to the Waldorf’s signature bar and lobby lounge, Peacock Alley.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Mar. 2026
-
After tracking it down almost two decades later, Prince Adam is whisked back across space to defend his home planet against the evil forces of Skeletor.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The Icon Park attraction will limit capacity, dim lighting, lower the music and disable stimulating exhibits.—
Dewayne Bevil,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Katzenback recommends four sets of five repetitions with heavy weights to stimulate bone growth.—
Hadia Zainab,
CNN Money,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stir.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stir. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
