stimulating 1 of 2

adjective

ˈstim-yə-ˌlā-tiŋ How to pronounce stimulating (audio)
Definition of stimulatingnext
1
as in exciting
causing great emotional or mental stimulation enjoys the good food and stimulating conversation at his best friend's house

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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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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

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stimulating

2 of 2

verb

present participle of stimulate
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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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of stimulating
Adjective
Instead, the stimulating ingredient added to the product is causing the symptoms. — Sara Hoffman, Verywell Health, 29 June 2026 The new guidance specifically warned that low-quality digital use -- mindless scrolling, autoplay videos, frequent notifications and algorithms that push extreme or harmful material -- can be highly stimulating but may lead to issues with sleep, learning, engagement and emotional regulation. — Mason Leib, ABC News, 24 June 2026
Verb
Key Takeaways Collagen supplements help improve bone mineral density, strength, and structure by stimulating new bone tissue and reducing bone breakdown. — Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 31 July 2026 Even people with long, strong strands look for ways to add thickness, whether through a scalp serum, follicle-stimulating oil, or volume-boosting mousse. — Kaelin Dodge, InStyle, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for stimulating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stimulating
  1. exciting
  2. refreshing
  3. provocative
  4. arousing
  5. provoking
  6. breathtaking
  7. charged
  8. energizing
Adjective
  • The Spanish royals’ Mallorca trip comes towards the end of an exciting summer, which saw the King, Queen and princesses travel to the United States to watch the Spanish national team win the 2026 World Cup.
    — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The Chilean duo’s latest only further establishes them as some of the most exciting makers of tangible, macabre visions on the world’s stage.
    — Josh Slater-Williams, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of exciting
Adjective
  • These can be some of the most refreshing sour beers available.
    — Jay R. Brooks, Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Nothing is as refreshing as splashing on one of the best citrus perfumes on a hot, sticky summer day.
    — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of refreshing
Adjective
  • Continue reading … ZERO REGRETS – Hasan Piker stands by 'intentionally provocative' claims that Hamas is 'a thousand times better' than Israel.
    — , FOXNews.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The film’s provocative title comes from a message a niche Californian skatewear company once wove into their clothing line’s care labels as a joke, a sample of which is seen here.
    — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of provocative
Verb
  • Today, fiery Mars moves to the top of your chart to stay for the next six weeks, arousing your ambition as never before.
    — Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 9 Apr. 2026
  • No clear catalyst One reason the surge in oil futures trading is arousing suspicion is that no market-moving announcements were slated for Monday morning, such as government economic releases or speeches from Federal Reserve officials.
    — Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026
Definition of arousing
Verb
  • The author warns that humanity's insistence on supremacy could lead to conflict with advanced AI, even provoking existential threats.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Even when the play returns to the familiar rhythm of Shaw provoking Dreyfuss and Scheider stepping in to restore peace, the performances keep the interactions engaging.
    — Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 29 July 2026
Definition of provoking
Adjective
  • Shot on location in Alberta, Canada, the blooming grasslands, breathtaking sunrises, glistening rivers and immense mountaintops are characters in their own right, often pulling audiences in when the storyline itself is drastically lacking.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The administration is racing to get a handle on an almost entirely unregulated industry – one that’s advancing at breathtaking speed.
    — Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of breathtaking
Adjective
  • The result is an urgent, propulsive song with a raw spirit and some of Pop’s most super-charged writing with deceptively simple lyrics about love and war, dripping with desperation.
    — Debby Wolfinsohn, Entertainment Weekly, 7 July 2026
  • What Happens Next Greene is likely to continue stoking controversy by breaking with her party, as conversations around immigration remain charged and divisive.
    — Alia Shoaib, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
Definition of charged
Verb
  • Choose from energizing citrus, cooling eucalyptus and peppermint, calming lavender or a variety pack with five different scents – an easy way to add a little luxury to your daily routine.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026
  • High Democratic turnout for House primaries in Shelby County, which includes Memphis, is the latest sign that redistricting may be energizing Black Southern voters.
    — Clara Ence Morse, Washington Post, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of energizing

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Cite this Entry

“Stimulating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stimulating. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on stimulating

Nglish: Translation of stimulating for Spanish Speakers

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