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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Relevance
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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
Will Graves, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2026
Before that, the inspirational Moon opposes mending Chiron, stirring tender feelings around support, boundaries, and care.
—Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 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
In a flash, the unlikely and stirring return that had captivated her sport was over.
—Will Graves, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2026
Before that, the inspirational Moon opposes mending Chiron, stirring tender feelings around support, boundaries, and care.
—Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stirring
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stirring
Adjective
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Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate reacted to that breathtaking strike by putting their hands on their head in disbelief.—
James Pearce,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
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With thousands of romantic restaurants, breathtaking views, and honeymoon-ready hotels, the Eternal City tops a new global list.—
Kristine Hansen,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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If Censori’s project was provoking the world by showing everything while saying nothing, Ye’s was saying everything—a lot of which was very, very bad.—
Anna Peele,
Vanity Fair,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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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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