1
as in breathtaking
causing great emotional or mental stimulation
the message of brotherhood in Martin Luther King's stirring "I Have a Dream" speech still resonates today
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2
as in emotional
having the power to affect the feelings or sympathies
a stirring rendition of the national anthem
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3
as in buzzing
marked by much life, movement, or activity
spring has arrived, and the meadow is stirring with life
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as in shifting
the act or an instance of changing position
I thought I detected a slight stirring of the leaves, and yet there wasn't a breath of wind
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1
2
as in moving
to change one's position
the cat stirred, then opened its eyes and slowly got to its feet
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3
as in provoking
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stirring
Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026
But the Reverend Franklin Graham, a towering eminence in that community, made a stirring introductory speech.
—Andrew Cockburn, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 10 Feb. 2026
Set in the remote highlands of Montenegro, the film tells the story of a shepherd mother and her daughter who proudly defend their ancestral mountain from the threat of becoming a NATO military training ground, stirring memories of past violence that once shattered their family.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 5 Feb. 2026
Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are on their way to tender (but not yet falling apart), 8 to 10 minutes.
—Holly Riordan, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stirring
Adjective
Sandberg was inducted on July 31, 2005, and delivered a stirring speech that criticized the products of the steroid era.
—Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026
But the Reverend Franklin Graham, a towering eminence in that community, made a stirring introductory speech.
—Andrew Cockburn, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
Noun
Cook, without stirring, until browned on the bottom, for about 2 minutes.
—Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 10 Feb. 2026
Set in the remote highlands of Montenegro, the film tells the story of a shepherd mother and her daughter who proudly defend their ancestral mountain from the threat of becoming a NATO military training ground, stirring memories of past violence that once shattered their family.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
But it’s presented here with invigorating flourishes that encircle the story within specific moments in time, while also granting it a stirring dramatic transcendence.
—Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are on their way to tender (but not yet falling apart), 8 to 10 minutes.
—Holly Riordan, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stirring
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stirring
Adjective
-
Wildly beautiful, Sydney Harbour National Park protects the islands and foreshore around the famous harbour, including some of the most breathtaking beaches, bushland, and coastal trails in the world.—
Sophie Davies,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Since then, Ålesund has been known as a Scandinavian architectural gem, set against a breathtaking natural backdrop.—
Annabelle Dufraigne,
Architectural Digest,
15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Kelly’s emotional two-dimensionality increases our anger on behalf of Pidgeon’s Carolyn, a vibrant professional woman who sees her life and her career toxified by the paparazzi and the press.—
Doreen St. Félix,
New Yorker,
14 Feb. 2026
-
For me, that connection is the emotional core of 17.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Just off the gondola entrance sits Club Moritzino, one of the Dolomites’ most enduring mountain huts and a buzzing lunch and apres-ski destination.—
Chadner Navarro,
Vogue,
10 Feb. 2026
-
From Montana to Colorado, here's where to find great powder, epic skiing, and buzzing après scenes out West.—
Caroline Tell,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The therapists at the spa were well-trained; always ready to address questions and concerns and accommodate shifting needs.—
Arati Menon,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Whether the global minimum tax will meaningfully reduce profit shifting remains an open question.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Gas and dust swirling around a black hole block visible light, but infrared light can punch right through.—
Paul Sutter,
Space.com,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Even so, rumors have begun swirling that the rapper has gotten back together with his ex-girlfriend Gabriela Berlingeri.—
Kathleen Walsh,
Glamour,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Mostly, however, Gee’s sophisticated, stealthily moving film folds any bursts of emotion into its exquisitely dark shadows, letting Evans’ limpid but heartsore music do most of the weeping.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Juliette Binoche has spent four decades embodying the restless intelligence of French and European cinema, moving effortlessly between auteurs and emotional registers.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Her style is confrontational and seemingly fearless, often provoking hugely divergent reactions from critics and fans.—
Emily Zemler,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Chris Young’s Beyond Earth column explores the intersection of space technology and policy, providing thought-provoking commentary on the latest advancements and regulatory developments in the sector.—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The park offers one of the most exciting wildlife experiences in Southern Africa, with a million acres of biodiverse savannas, wetlands, and montane rainforests, and a range of animals that includes buffalo herds, lion prides, and an array of birds.—
Lisa Grainger,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 Feb. 2026
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That changed two years ago, when the ISU lifted its ban in a bid to make the sport more exciting and popular among younger fans.—
Fernanda Figueroa,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stirring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stirring. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.
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