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
Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY, 3 Feb. 2025
Some cocoa powder, cinnamon and hot picks like chili powder and cloves create a stirring flavor combination, said Bucher.
—Erica Lamberg, Fox News, 2 Feb. 2025
Michael D. Swaine, Foreign Affairs, 20 Apr. 2015
Stir-fry: Stir-frying cooks food quickly over high heat in a wok or large pan, using a small amount of oil and frequent stirring to prevent sticking and burning.
—Johna Burdeos, Health, 20 Jan. 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
His family members accepted the award at the ceremony, which featured a stirring song tribute led by Jennifer Hudson.
—Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY, 3 Feb. 2025
Some cocoa powder, cinnamon and hot picks like chili powder and cloves create a stirring flavor combination, said Bucher.
—Erica Lamberg, Fox News, 2 Feb. 2025
Noun
Observing these stirrings, meanwhile, many American and other foreign observers see the beginnings of a larger effort to eject the United States from Asia and eventually replace it as the regional, and possibly even global, superpower.
—Michael D. Swaine, Foreign Affairs, 20 Apr. 2015
Stir-fry: Stir-frying cooks food quickly over high heat in a wok or large pan, using a small amount of oil and frequent stirring to prevent sticking and burning.
—Johna Burdeos, Health, 20 Jan. 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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All summer long, TV broadcasters discussed the crowds flocking to Sardinia’s stunning coastlines, the historic streets of Rome and the breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast.—
Andrea Pietrini,
Forbes,
20 Feb. 2025
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Sailing roundtrip from Seattle on select dates between June and September 2025, this itinerary brings guests face-to-face with some of Alaska’s most breathtaking landscapes and cultural highlights.—
Bailey Berg,
AFAR Media,
18 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Celebrity Style Palmer is going viral for her emotional acceptance speech celebrating Black community.—
Kathleen Walsh,
Glamour,
23 Feb. 2025
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Both women appeared emotional as the crowd finished the song with enthusiastic cheers for the birthday boy.—
Erin Clack,
People.com,
23 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Home care workers who provide assistance to elderly and disabled Californians could see more wage equality, according to a recent labor report, by shifting contract negotiations to the state level instead of bargaining individually with California’s 56 individual counties.—
William Melhado,
Sacramento Bee,
8 Jan. 2025
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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
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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There are much more exciting names rumoured to be available — Seth Jones and Bowen Byram come to mind — who don’t protect the slot as well as Ristolainen has this season.—
Murat Ates,
The Athletic,
24 Feb. 2025
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For now, the idea of Martian beaches and waves offers an exciting glimpse into the planet’s ancient history — and its potential to have once supported life.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes,
24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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In this impressive study, Hall argues that modern empires and nation-states are deeply entangled.—
Foreign Affairs,
Foreign Affairs,
25 Feb. 2025
-
Lenovo's muscular portable is built tough as nails and boasts some impressive components.—
K. Thor Jensen,
PCMAG,
25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Beyoncé Was Painted Gold To Promote Her Cé Lumière Fragrance Beyoncé has had a busy month.—
India Espy-Jones,
Essence,
28 Feb. 2025
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Held at the Shrine Auditorium, and given how many entertainment industry power players called Beverly Hills home, local traffic was a bit busier than the average Monday night.—
Scott Huver,
The Hollywood Reporter,
28 Feb. 2025
Noun
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That movement gave way to a backlash that’s playing out in schools, businesses and the federal government.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
17 Feb. 2025
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The mesmerizing movement of men tossing sticks of fire on the sand and people pulsing to the beat in a haze of hookah smoke felt like a scene plucked straight from the show.—
Anna Haines,
Travel + Leisure,
17 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stirring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stirring. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
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