stirring 1 of 3

adjective

ˈstər-iŋ How to pronounce stirring (audio)
Definition of stirringnext
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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stirring

2 of 3

noun

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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stirring

3 of 3

verb

present participle of stir
1
as in swirling
to cause (as a liquid) to move about in a circle especially repeatedly the recipe says to stir the mixture carefully until it's properly blended

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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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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 stirring
Adjective
On Saturday, Embiid checked the Celtics off his list, scoring 34 points in a stirring Game 7 upset over Boston. — Sahil Kapur, NBC news, 4 May 2026 Although Women in Love’s not-so-subtle homoeroticism caused it to be banned in Turkey, it’s now widely considered Russell’s most stirring work. — Liam Hess, Vogue, 28 June 2026
Noun
Continue boiling at a moderate, steady rate, without stirring, for 3 to 4 minutes more or until caramel is a rich brown color but not burnt. — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 June 2026 Sit in mushrooms, zucchini, cheese and basil, cooking and stirring constantly until eggs coat ingredients. — Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2026
Verb
Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and pectin is dissolved (liquid should become less cloudy), 3 to 5 minutes. — ABC News, 29 June 2026 Simmer beans, stirring occasionally, until bubbling and thickened, about 5 minutes. — Inés Anguiano, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for stirring
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stirring
  1. breathtaking
  2. emotional
  3. buzzing
  4. shifting
  5. swirling
  6. moving
  7. provoking
  8. exciting
Adjective
  • Set high above the town with breathtaking sea views from all 27 suites and 13 private villas (which are individually staffed), La Réserve offers serenity and discretion—all while being just a few minutes' drive from Pampelonne Beach.
    — Karli Poliziani, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 July 2026
  • As Americans reflect on our 250-year history as a sovereign nation, there's no better time to appreciate the breathtaking natural beauty the country offers.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
Definition of breathtaking
Adjective
  • Contreras, meanwhile, entered Tuesday's game after an emotional stretch.
    — Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
  • Humanitarian workers say the emotional toll is becoming increasingly visible inside temporary shelters.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
Definition of emotional
Adjective
  • Scott Usheroff The wine scene has evolved from hobby industry to a buzzing, blooming viticulture scene.
    — Kate Dingwall, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
  • The device will completely block the ear canal and cause a low buzzing noise that makes drifting off hard.
    — Liana Handler Follow, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
Definition of buzzing
Noun
  • The shifting, changing elements and extreme variation is a foundational principle baked into the DNA.
    — Jonathan Cohen, SPIN, 1 July 2026
  • This resulted in a deliberate shifting of certain emphases, new characters being introduced, and other adjustments.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 30 June 2026
Definition of shifting
Verb
  • And across the almost-year since, speculation has been swirling.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 1 July 2026
  • The American great had just lost to France’s Harmony Tan in the first round of the grass court major and questions about her future were swirling around this leafy corner of London.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
Definition of swirling
Verb
  • Why China is moving fast with robot hospitality China has already embraced service robots in hotels, restaurants, airports and public spaces.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
  • Vibrations from earth-moving equipment could have triggered further collapses, possibly dooming Gil — and his would-be rescuers.
    — Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
Definition of moving
Verb
  • If that conversation also seems too anxiety-provoking, focus on modes of communication that do feel accessible to you.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026
  • Temperatures reached historic highs Historic high temperatures in 2003, surpassed this time, were blamed for 15,000 deaths, provoking a national reckoning about care of older people, who were particularly hard-hit.
    — John Leicester, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026
Definition of provoking
Adjective
  • The result is a chain of polite, yet simultaneously radical buildings with an exciting contour resembling a mountainous landscape – adding ‘bergen’ in De Bergen!
    — Bridget Borgobello July 04, New Atlas, 4 July 2026
  • The modern building is an exciting addition to the Fort Worth Cultural District and people are situated in backs around the lobby.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 July 2026
Definition of exciting

Browse Nearby Words

stirred (up)
stirring
stirrings
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Cite this Entry

“Stirring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stirring. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on stirring

Nglish: Translation of stirring for Spanish Speakers

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