1
2
as in to shift
to change one's position
the cat stirred, then opened its eyes and slowly got to its feet
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to provoke
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in commotion
a state of noisy, confused activity
the plane's first jolt caused a stir among the passengers, and by the third one they were in a panic
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in shifting
the act or an instance of changing position
we were warned that the slightest stir would scare the mother bird so we hardly dared to breathe
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as in jail
a place of confinement for persons held in lawful custody
the mule had just got out of stir and was being followed by the feds, who had their sights set on the kingpin of the operation
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stir
Emma Burrows, The Christian Science Monitor, 16 Feb. 2025
In a large bowl, stir together the dry ingredients, including flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
—Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Feb. 2025
The Dial, 6 Feb. 2025
On-air remarks by a commentator working for the host broadcaster about Djokovic being overrated and a has-been caused a stir during Week 1 of the Australian Open.
—Howard Fendrich, Chicago Tribune, 24 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stir
Verb
Trump's diplomatic push stirs concern and uncertainty in Europe
U.S. President Donald Trump's push for a quick way out of Russia's all-out war in Ukraine, which began nearly three years ago on Feb. 24, 2022, has stirred concern and uncertainty in Munich.
—Emma Burrows, The Christian Science Monitor, 16 Feb. 2025
In a large bowl, stir together the dry ingredients, including flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
—Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Feb. 2025
Noun
The need to obtain parental consent exists to avoid parents causing a stir at the hospital and forces families to resolve their differences about the procedure ahead of time.
—The Dial, 6 Feb. 2025
On-air remarks by a commentator working for the host broadcaster about Djokovic being overrated and a has-been caused a stir during Week 1 of the Australian Open.
—Howard Fendrich, Chicago Tribune, 24 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stir
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stir
Verb
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Rumors have swirled for years that the Broccolis have clashed with Amazon over the direction of Bond.—
Rebecca Rubin,
Variety,
20 Feb. 2025
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Questions have been swirling on campuses in recent days: Will colleges have to cancel special graduation ceremonies for marginalized groups?—
Zachary Schermele,
USA TODAY,
20 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Industrialists need storytellers to bring their ideas into the public consciousness, to shift perceptions and gain the backing that turns innovation into reality.—
Kody Boye,
USA TODAY,
21 Feb. 2025
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That is a lightning rod for the conversation to shift the narrative in hair care, which is a mission of ours.—
James Manso,
WWD,
20 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The earworm record provokes a sense of longing, one that is uplifting, cathartic and beautiful.—
Lisa Kocay,
Forbes,
26 Feb. 2025
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Even the revelation that settlement talks have been held has provoked news staffers.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
26 Feb. 2025
Verb
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While silk does have antimicrobial properties, pillowcases, like your face, need to be washed regularly to avoid harboring bacteria.—
Morgan Fargo,
Vogue,
20 Feb. 2025
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Cocktails also get creative treatment: The Open Sesame (18 dollars), for example, melds rye washed in sesame oil, prosecco and shiso bitters into a palate-pleasing elixir.—
Cindy Hirschfeld,
New York Times,
20 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The start of a new year is a time for planning, embracing change and moving forward.—
Kristjan Vilosius,
Forbes,
26 Feb. 2025
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This means moving between vertical levels of a map or jumping from one side of an area to the other can be done in one smooth fluid motion, creating a high-octane competitive environment.—
Echo Apsey,
Rolling Stone,
26 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Provide opportunities for professional growth, encourage open feedback, and show appreciation for hard work.—
Johnny C. Taylor Jr.,
USA TODAY,
19 Feb. 2025
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Applications encouraged from people of color, women, and/or veterans 5.—
Shimite Obialo,
Forbes,
18 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Some were seen being whisked away by ambulances to a local hospital.—
Jon Haworth,
ABC News,
15 Feb. 2025
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Rennes’ academy is regularly ranked as the best in France by the French Football Federation and the Brittany club has a strong record of recruiting talent from the Paris region, helped by the high-speed TGV train line that whisks passengers to and from the capital in a little over 90 minutes.—
Tom Williams,
The Athletic,
14 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The other key plot point is Farrah’s use of stroboscopic light therapy to stimulate brain activity and neural responses.—
David Rooney,
The Hollywood Reporter,
13 Feb. 2025
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Avoid stimulating activities before bedtime, and there should be no exposure to electronic devices emitting blue light.—
Arielle Tschinkel,
Parents,
12 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stir.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stir. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
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