stimulate

verb

stim·​u·​late ˈstim-yə-ˌlāt How to pronounce stimulate (audio)
stimulated; stimulating
Synonyms of stimulate

transitive verb

1
: to excite to activity or growth or to greater activity : animate, arouse
2
a
: to function as a physiological stimulus to
b
: to arouse or affect by a stimulant (such as a drug)

intransitive verb

: to act as a stimulant or stimulus
stimulation
ˌstim-yə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce stimulate (audio)
noun
stimulative
ˈstim-yə-ˌlā-tiv How to pronounce stimulate (audio)
adjective
stimulator
ˈstim-yə-ˌlā-tər How to pronounce stimulate (audio)
noun
stimulatory
ˈstim-yə-lə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce stimulate (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of stimulate

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provoke, excite, stimulate, pique, quicken mean to arouse as if by pricking.

provoke directs attention to the response called forth.

my stories usually provoke laughter

excite implies a stirring up or moving profoundly.

news that excited anger and frustration

stimulate suggests a rousing out of lethargy, quiescence, or indifference.

stimulating conversation

pique suggests stimulating by mild irritation or challenge.

that remark piqued my interest

quicken implies beneficially stimulating and making active or lively.

the high salary quickened her desire to have the job

Examples of stimulate in a Sentence

A raise in employee wages might stimulate production. The economy was not stimulated by the tax cuts. a hormone that stimulates the growth of muscle tissue Their discussion stimulated him to research the subject more. He was stimulated by their discussion.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Local manufacturing could eventually lower vehicle prices by avoiding import duties while stimulating investment in charging infrastructure, component manufacturing and battery production. — ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026 Any such research would require separate clinical trials and a distinct regulatory pathway beyond the device’s present indication for stimulating vitamin D production. — Tanya Akim, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026 What’s more, Matthias said, kids are exposed to hundreds of things every day that stimulate their immune systems. — Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026 Compression socks prevent swelling and discomfort in the legs by stimulating circulation. — Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stimulate

Word History

Etymology

Latin stimulatus, past participle of stimulare, from stimulus goad; perhaps akin to Latin stilus stem, stylus — more at style

First Known Use

1566, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of stimulate was in 1566

Phrases Containing stimulate

Rhymes for stimulate

See All Rhymes for stimulate

Browse Nearby Words

stimulant
stimulate
stimulating
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stimulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stimulate. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

stimulate

verb
stim·​u·​late ˈstim-yə-ˌlāt How to pronounce stimulate (audio)
stimulated; stimulating
1
: to make active or more active : animate, arouse
stimulate industry
2
: to act on as a bodily stimulus or stimulant

Medical Definition

stimulate

transitive verb
stim·​u·​late -ˌlāt How to pronounce stimulate (audio)
stimulated; stimulating
1
: to excite to activity or growth or to greater activity
2
a
: to function as a physiological stimulus to (as a nerve or muscle)
b
: to arouse or affect by a stimulant (as a drug)
stimulative
ˈstim-yə-ˌlāt-iv How to pronounce stimulate (audio)
adjective
stimulatory
-lə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr- How to pronounce stimulate (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on stimulate

Nglish: Translation of stimulate for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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