1
as in exciting
causing great emotional or mental stimulation
enjoys the good food and stimulating conversation at his best friend's house
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in refreshing
having a renewing effect on the state of the body or mind
a brisk, stimulating walk on a bright, clear wintry day
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in provocative
serving or likely to arouse a strong reaction
an article containing a stimulating argument for raising, not lowering, the tax on gasoline
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in arousing
to give life, vigor, or spirit to
research into alternative energy sources has been stimulated by this funding increase
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2
as in provoking
to rouse to strong feeling or action
the government crackdown has only stimulated the citizenry to more acts of violence
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stimulating
James Manso, WWD, 4 Feb. 2025
Pairing alpaca knit sweater tops with sleek trousers is a stimulating experience too.
—Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 23 Jan. 2025
Ruth Jessen Hickman, Md, Health, 23 Dec. 2024
Clomid, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, and Letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor, both work by signaling FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) in the brain to make more eggs, says Ahmad.
—Fiorella Valdesolo, Vogue, 20 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for stimulating 
Adjective
It’s meant to be a very fun, living narrative that’s very stimulating.
—James Manso, WWD, 4 Feb. 2025
Pairing alpaca knit sweater tops with sleek trousers is a stimulating experience too.
—Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 23 Jan. 2025
Verb
These blood tests might include a complete blood count; a metabolic panel; and tests for fasting blood glucose, thyroid stimulating hormone, and vitamin B12 levels.
—Ruth Jessen Hickman, Md, Health, 23 Dec. 2024
Clomid, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, and Letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor, both work by signaling FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) in the brain to make more eggs, says Ahmad.
—Fiorella Valdesolo, Vogue, 20 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for stimulating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stimulating
Adjective
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This, plus the new weapon mechanics, Focus attacks, and traversal system, make for a fresh and exciting new entry in the series.—
PCMAG,
PCMAG,
11 Feb. 2025
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The Bachelor alum, 33, welcomed her second baby, a girl, with husband Taylor Mock on Wednesday, Feb. 5, announcing the exciting news in an Instagram post on Saturday, Feb. 8.—
Hannah Sacks,
People.com,
10 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
A lot of that is gone, and that’s really refreshing.—
Kate Storey,
Rolling Stone,
14 Feb. 2025
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This three-in-one defines, hydrates, and smooths even the thirstiest strands—perfect for reviving a stale blowout or refreshing hair between wash days.—
Annie Blackman,
Allure,
14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Lawyers for both sides have made provocative comments, divulged private communications and made public a slew of documents while defending their clients.—
Stacy Perman,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2025
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The next fight As with most of Trump’s more provocative comments, his Gaza proposal was simultaneously derided and analyzed at home and abroad for hints of strategy.—
Rob Picheta,
CNN,
8 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Yet when North Korea invaded South Korea, the United States intervened forcefully, pushing up to the Chinese border and provoking a ferocious Chinese counterattack.—
Michael Beckley,
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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Situated just 15 minutes south of the city, the lighthouse is worth the short journey for the breathtaking views and a buttery lobster roll from Bite into Maine.—
Eliseé Browchuk,
Vogue,
3 Feb. 2025
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Flights depart from Belize City's international and municipal airports and boast breathtaking views over the electric-blue waters of the Caribbean that make the journey just one more part of the experience.—
Carley Rojas Avila,
Travel + Leisure,
2 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The ceremony came at a charged moment, coinciding with Columbia University canceling its graduation ceremony (and largely closing off its campus).—
David Matthews,
New York Daily News,
6 May 2024
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Of course, genocide is a charged and redolent term, recalling the systematic precision of the Holocaust and the society-wide butchery of the Rwandan genocide.—
Kristina Hook,
Foreign Affairs,
28 July 2022
Verb
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Labels now often feature information on whether a strain is designed to be energizing, calming, or helpful for sleep.—
Matt Rozo,
The Mercury News,
18 Dec. 2024
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Venus in Aquarius is energizing your ninth house of exploration and higher learning, while Jupiter magnifies your charisma and confidence amidst transiting your sign.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
18 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Unfortunately, current leadership isn’t fostering a new narrative or encouraging positive change.—
Jennifer Guzman,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Jan. 2025
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Of course, there are many who believe the RTO mandates are actually a ruse for reducing headcount by encouraging employees to quit.—
Bryan Robinson,
Forbes,
3 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near stimulating
Cite this Entry
“Stimulating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stimulating. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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