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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stirring
Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 21 May 2025
And as a motivator, Postecoglou’s ability to unite his playing group despite outside pressure with stirring pre-match speeches and activities were key to their success just seven months after that World Cup disappointment.
—Elias Burke, New York Times, 19 May 2025
Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 20 Mar. 2025
Many came to secure one of the limited-edition timepieces that could only be acquired on that one day; and others, to celebrate the stirrings of the British watch industry.
—Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 5 Jan. 2025
Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally until almost soft, about 5 minutes.
—Ivy Odom, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stirring
Adjective
The emotions flood and hit hard, though, in a final chapter in which Lionel encounters David’s eventual wife Belle (Hadley Robinson, who gives a stirring monologue), who is restless and desperate for company and hopes Lionel will stay for just a little bit longer.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 21 May 2025
And as a motivator, Postecoglou’s ability to unite his playing group despite outside pressure with stirring pre-match speeches and activities were key to their success just seven months after that World Cup disappointment.
—Elias Burke, New York Times, 19 May 2025
Noun
Butler lost Gordon Hayward to the NBA, but Shelvin Mack, Matt Howard and Brad Stevens were back, and the Bulldogs embarked on a second straight stirring run all the way to the national title game.
—Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 20 Mar. 2025
Many came to secure one of the limited-edition timepieces that could only be acquired on that one day; and others, to celebrate the stirrings of the British watch industry.
—Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, then remove from heat.
—Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 5 Jan. 2025
Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally until almost soft, about 5 minutes.
—Ivy Odom, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stirring
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stirring
Adjective
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This breathtaking final had already exceeded five hours.—
Sean Gregory,
Time,
8 June 2025
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For my family, our go-to choice is always Lake Como with its breathtaking scenery, cute villages, and some of the country’s best luxury hotels in this little part of Northern Italy.—
Michelle Tchea,
Travel + Leisure,
7 June 2025
Adjective
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Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx and Kirk Franklin — each of whom the Doggfather personally shouted out during his speech — also took home the same honor, making for emotional moments throughout the four-hour ceremony.—
Hannah Dailey,
Billboard,
10 June 2025
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Set in early 2010s Taipei during the rise of social media, the series examines generational rifts, shifting identities and the emotional toll of public opinion in Taiwan’s rapidly evolving society.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
10 June 2025
Verb
-
As of next year, the European Film Academy is shifting its gala from December to mid-January to better position the EFAs in the award season.—
Scott Roxborough,
The Hollywood Reporter,
8 Jan. 2025
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The combination of low humidity, dry fuels, and shifting winds has heightened the potential for spot fires and rapid expansion.—
Russell Lewis,
NPR,
8 Jan. 2025
Verb
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This will deepen the divide between the global North and South on issues of race and cultural difference, straining the West’s diplomatic relations with countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America while provoking broader resentment toward Western countries seen as perpetuating racial hierarchies.—
Matias Spektor,
Foreign Affairs,
7 Jan. 2025
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In 2008, the United States suggested that Georgia and Ukraine might eventually join the alliance but offered no concrete path to membership, thus provoking Russia without effectively deterring it.—
Michael Beckley,
Foreign Affairs,
7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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From Canada to Milan, it’s been a journey filled with creativity, intensity, and some of the most exciting food this show has ever seen.—
Buddha Lo,
People.com,
13 June 2025
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Cuban composer Tania León added dollops of exciting modernism.—
Mark Swed,
Los Angeles Times,
12 June 2025
Adjective
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Latu stood out in that capacity, as the 6-foot-7, 244-pound tight end showed impressive athleticism and route running for his size, and seemed very natural catching the ball.—
Joe Buscaglia,
New York Times,
13 June 2025
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Due to what must be an impressive folder of NDAs, very little can be said about the film.—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
13 June 2025
Adjective
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Webster said the thought was to fill storefronts closest to the busiest World Cup activities, likely in and around downtown, or within a mile of the streetcar line.—
Eric Adler,
Kansas City Star,
4 June 2025
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In a busy warehouse, for instance, human workers and multiple robots performing different tasks—often from different vendors—need a unified system that ensures smooth collaboration, avoiding collisions and idle time.—
Florian Pestoni,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
Noun
-
These free classes focus on mindful movement, mindful breathing, in the style of Shashi Yoga.—
Ramona Sentinel,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 June 2025
-
The Make America Healthy Again movement, championed by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., aims to promote the dietary, behavioral, medical and environmental drivers that can improve health outcomes in the United States.—
Sachin H. Jain,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stirring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stirring. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
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