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
This sweet synergy creates a sense of ease and flow in connections and relationships, sparking a surge of delight and mentally stimulating conversations. — Valerie Mesa, People.com, 18 Dec. 2024 Among the study's findings, younger seniors who engaged in physical activity and mentally stimulating hobbies appeared to have a lower risk of cognitive decline. — Neil C. Bhavsar, ABC News, 3 Dec. 2024
Verb
These blood tests might include a complete blood count; a metabolic panel; and tests for fasting blood glucose, thyroid stimulating hormone, and vitamin B12 levels. — Ruth Jessen Hickman, Md, Health, 23 Dec. 2024 Clomid, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, and Letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor, both work by signaling FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) in the brain to make more eggs, says Ahmad. — Fiorella Valdesolo, Vogue, 20 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for stimulating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stimulating
  1. exciting
  2. refreshing
  3. provocative
  4. provoking
  5. breathtaking
  6. charged
  7. energizing
  8. encouraging
Adjective
  • Embrace the opportunity to try something new and exciting; there’s always room for improvement.
    — Valerie Mesa, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025
  • The discovery now raises new and exciting questions about the processes that shaped the universe's first galaxies.
    — Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of exciting
Adjective
  • Besides, an afternoon downpour can actually be quite refreshing when the temperatures are high, and offer a break from the humidity.
    — Roger Sands, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • The nostalgic touch was refreshing for Anitta, who has previously been the subject of docuseries.
    — Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of refreshing
Adjective
  • Deliberately provocative, the film stars Michael Gambon and Helen Mirren as the thief and the wife of the title.
    — Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2025
  • His engaging and intimate biography provides a full picture of the woman unfairly accused of breaking up the Beatles, highlighting her long, provocative career as an avant-garde artist.
    — Staff, The Christian Science Monitor, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of provocative
Verb
  • Yet when North Korea invaded South Korea, the United States intervened forcefully, pushing up to the Chinese border and provoking a ferocious Chinese counterattack.
    — Michael Beckley, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
  • 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
Definition of provoking
Adjective
  • The other half of my heritage traces back to Igbo culture, originating from Southeast Nigeria, a country famous for its bronze and terracotta art, breathtaking landscapes and vibrant Afrobeats scene.
    — Ranyechi Udemezue, Vogue, 16 Mar. 2025
  • After years of tight restrictions on foreign property ownership, a recent court ruling has opened the door for international buyers to purchase land in one of the country’s most breathtaking locations.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of breathtaking
Adjective
  • The ceremony came at a charged moment, coinciding with Columbia University canceling its graduation ceremony (and largely closing off its campus).
    — David Matthews, New York Daily News, 6 May 2024
  • Of course, genocide is a charged and redolent term, recalling the systematic precision of the Holocaust and the society-wide butchery of the Rwandan genocide.
    — Kristina Hook, Foreign Affairs, 28 July 2022
Definition of charged
Verb
  • Venus in Aquarius is energizing your ninth house of exploration and higher learning, while Jupiter magnifies your charisma and confidence amidst transiting your sign.
    — Valerie Mesa, People.com, 18 Dec. 2024
  • Labels now often feature information on whether a strain is designed to be energizing, calming, or helpful for sleep.
    — Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 18 Dec. 2024
Definition of energizing
Verb
  • Unfortunately, current leadership isn’t fostering a new narrative or encouraging positive change.
    — Jennifer Guzman, Chicago Tribune, 5 Jan. 2025
  • While not every decision will yield perfect results, encouraging your employees to be data-conscious and skilled at forecasting will lower your risk and position you to make impactful decisions before the full effects of economic shifts are felt.
    — Steve Swinney, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025
Definition of encouraging

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Cite this Entry

“Stimulating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stimulating. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

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