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
Staff,
FOXNews.com,
3 July 2026
Despite its decades-long ubiquity in our lives and our iCals, the building has just as often stirred negative feelings.
—
Steven Zeitchik,
HollywoodReporter,
3 July 2026
Madeleine Marr,
Miami Herald,
30 June 2026
Give the chicken broth mixture a stir, incorporating any cornstarch that has settled to the bottom, and immediately pour it over the tomatoes in the wok.
—
Candy Hom,
AJC.com,
28 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for stir
Verb
Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
—
Staff,
FOXNews.com,
3 July 2026
Despite its decades-long ubiquity in our lives and our iCals, the building has just as often stirred negative feelings.
—
Steven Zeitchik,
HollywoodReporter,
3 July 2026
Noun
The woman responsible for birthing Cristiano Ronaldo caused quite the stir in Pompano Beach on Monday.
—
Madeleine Marr,
Miami Herald,
30 June 2026
Give the chicken broth mixture a stir, incorporating any cornstarch that has settled to the bottom, and immediately pour it over the tomatoes in the wok.
—
Candy Hom,
AJC.com,
28 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for stir
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stir
Verb
-
Rumors of their relationship continued to swirl after they were photographed leaving Arrowhead Stadium together after the game.
-
As internet rumors swirled that the couple would marry that day in Rhode Island, Swift and Kelce spent the evening in New York City instead.
Verb
-
Here is another example in the opening 45 minutes, where Brazil’s midfield is shifted over to the near side to condense the space around Morocco.
-
The Facebook page shifted to a private setting to create a more intimate space.
Verb
-
Montgomery’s death provoked an outpouring of heartfelt support.
-
What the 1998 demolition unexpectedly uncovered roiled Miami and provoked a worldwide outcry — a mysterious set of 24 holes carved into the limestone bedrock in a perfect circle, 38 feet in diameter.
Noun
-
With some flashing lights, this thing flying around in the sky would cause quite a commotion.
-
Any browns feeding there are less likely to have been spooked by the commotion.
Noun
-
The shifting, changing elements and extreme variation is a foundational principle baked into the DNA.
-
This resulted in a deliberate shifting of certain emphases, new characters being introduced, and other adjustments.
Noun
-
The driver of the fleeing vehicle was booked into the Wyandotte County Detention Center, according to the jail’s inmate listing.
-
Epstein served about 13 months in a Florida jail, and was often permitted to leave the jail on work release.
Verb
-
Some physicians recommend washing your mouth out after use by gargling and rinsing your mouth with water.
-
The optimal times to use hair oil are before washing your hair or after a blow-dry.
Verb
-
To keep up with the fast-moving aerial acts, the app features an adjustable countdown timer set to the official schedule.
-
If anyone shows signs of heat illness, promptly move them to a cool, shaded area.
Cite this Entry
“Stir.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stir. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
