stir 1 of 3

verb

ˈstər How to pronounce stir (audio)
Definition of stirnext
1
as in to swirl
to cause (as a liquid) to move about in a circle especially repeatedly the recipe says to stir the mixture carefully until it's properly blended

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2
as in to shift
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 to provoke
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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stir

2 of 3

noun (1)

1
as in commotion
a state of noisy, confused activity the plane's first jolt caused a stir among the passengers, and by the third one they were in a panic

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2
as in shifting
the act or an instance of changing position we were warned that the slightest stir would scare the mother bird so we hardly dared to breathe

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stir

3 of 3

noun (2)

slang
as in jail
a place of confinement for persons held in lawful custody the mule had just got out of stir and was being followed by the feds, who had their sights set on the kingpin of the operation

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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 stir
Verb
But in recent days, Zelensky’s public humiliation and all the crazy decisions taken over the past month have finally stirred Americans into action. — Claude Malhuret, The Atlantic, 8 Mar. 2025 Bring vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and mustard seeds to a boil in a small saucepan over high, stirring often. — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 2 Mar. 2025
Noun
The $400 million item in the procurement document caused a stir. — Bobby Allyn, NPR, 24 Feb. 2025 The latter comment created a stir, but Stroman has been a starter for the vast majority of his career. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stir
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stir
  1. swirl
  2. shift
  3. provoke
  4. wash
  5. move
  6. encourage
  7. whisk
  8. stimulate
Verb
  • With rumors swirling about meetings and plans for specific teams, here is a prediction for where the top remaining quarterback options this offseason will play.
    — Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
  • No one doubts the charismatic star is headed back to WWE, as rumors have swirled about his return over the past six months.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of swirl
Verb
  • The United States has shifted its approach on the war since the return of Trump to the White House.
    — arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 16 Mar. 2025
  • The increase came as border-crossing routes shifted away from Arizona to California last winter and spring, with San Diego County becoming the busiest gateway for undocumented immigrants crossing between ports of entry.
    — Roxana Popescu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of shift
Verb
  • Over the past eight years, social media platforms have been skillfully manipulated to provoke anger, rage, fear, and distrust, setting individuals and groups against one another.
    — Peter Suciu, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Sometimes, that means getting outside of the Court’s comfort zone of an orderly appeals process when individual judges single-handedly provoke a separation-of-powers crisis.
    — The Editors, National Review, 6 Mar. 2025
Definition of provoke
Verb
  • Judge Jeffrey Clothier, who was elected to Genesee County’s 67th District Court in January, said requiring as many as 100 shoplifters caught stealing from a local Walmart to wash cars for free would serve the community and possibly discourage others from stealing from the retail giant.
    — Landon Mion, Fox News, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Step 3: Clean The Shelves Use a sponge or wash cloth dipped in warm, soapy water to wipe off shelves.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of wash
Verb
  • Re-signing two of their own free agents, defensive tackle Kevin Givens and running back Patrick Taylor Jr., to one-year deals didn’t move the enthusiasm needle much, either.
    — Matt Barrows, The Athletic, 11 Mar. 2025
  • After appearing to be instantly knocked unconscious, she was quickly moved and treated by medics trackside as the race continued.
    — Julia Andersen, CNN, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of move
Verb
  • On the positive side, the increase in applications from students of color and the growing diversity of the applicant pool are encouraging signs of progress toward more significant equity in higher education.
    — Scott White, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Try to encourage the bird to perch atop a broom or other tall pole and escort it toward an open door.
    — Jessica Boehm, Axios, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of encourage
Verb
  • An estimated 62,000 vehicles, on a daily basis, whisk under the 1,400-long prefab concrete pedestrian bridge that crosses U.S. 27 at Red Road, or Okeechobee Road and West Fourth Avenue, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.
    — Theo Karantsalis, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 2025
  • In large bowl, whisk together cornstarch, garlic powder, white pepper and salt.
    — Gretchen McKay, Boston Herald, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of whisk
Verb
  • These viral particles continue to multiply or stimulate the immune system in ways that trigger long Covid symptoms.
    — Katie Camero, NBC News, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Transferring everyday items from their bulky, visually stimulating packaging into pretty containers is one way to organize your home while maintaining your design style.
    — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of stimulate

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Cite this Entry

“Stir.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stir. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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