stimulant
noun
stim·u·lant
ˈstim-yə-lənt 
1
: an agent (such as a drug) that produces a temporary increase of the functional activity or efficiency of an organism or any of its parts
2
: stimulus
3
: an alcoholic beverage
—not used technically
stimulant
adjective
Synonyms
Examples of stimulant in a Sentence
The movie was a stimulant to discussion.
the relaxed zoning regulations should serve as a stimulant for development in the area
Recent Examples on the Web
Assess how overuse of medications, certain food ingredients, chemicals and environmental exposures contribute to chronic inflammation and disease.
Evaluate the prevalence and risks of prescribing antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, stimulants and weight-loss drugs to children.
—
Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025
Caffeine is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant, and its use has been linked to lower risks of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
—Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 12 Feb. 2025
Serious medical complications can occur with its use, including cocaine use disorder – compulsive use of the addictive stimulant – and overdose, according to the US National Institute on Drug Abuse.
—Edward Szekeres, CNN, 7 Feb. 2025
The stimulant can also be jarring for teens who aren’t used to drinking it, Fisher said.
—Korin Miller, Health, 1 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for stimulant 
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Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025
Caffeine is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant, and its use has been linked to lower risks of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
—Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 12 Feb. 2025
Serious medical complications can occur with its use, including cocaine use disorder – compulsive use of the addictive stimulant – and overdose, according to the US National Institute on Drug Abuse.
—Edward Szekeres, CNN, 7 Feb. 2025
The stimulant can also be jarring for teens who aren’t used to drinking it, Fisher said.
—Korin Miller, Health, 1 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for stimulant
Dictionary Entries Near stimulant
Cite this Entry
“Stimulant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stimulant. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
stimulant
noun
stim·u·lant
ˈstim-yə-lənt
1
: something (as a drug) that temporarily increases the activity or efficiency of the body or one of its parts
a heart stimulant
2
stimulant
adjective
Medical Definition
stimulant
noun
stim·u·lant
ˈstim-yə-lənt
1
: an agent (as a drug) that produces a temporary increase of the functional activity or efficiency of an organism or any of its parts
2
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