1
as in breathtaking
causing great emotional or mental stimulation
the message of brotherhood in Martin Luther King's stirring "I Have a Dream" speech still resonates today
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2
as in emotional
having the power to affect the feelings or sympathies
a stirring rendition of the national anthem
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3
as in buzzing
marked by much life, movement, or activity
spring has arrived, and the meadow is stirring with life
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as in shifting
the act or an instance of changing position
I thought I detected a slight stirring of the leaves, and yet there wasn't a breath of wind
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1
2
as in moving
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 provoking
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stirring
John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 2025
Vanya runs off and Ani gets stuck tracking him down alongside a quiet, caring henchman (Yura Borisov) in a stirring Cinderella story of hope and human connection.
—Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 13 Feb. 2025
Jenna Anderson, Health, 19 Jan. 2025
Observing these stirrings, meanwhile, many American and other foreign observers see the beginnings of a larger effort to eject the United States from Asia and eventually replace it as the regional, and possibly even global, superpower.
—Michael D. Swaine, Foreign Affairs, 20 Apr. 2015
Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 5 Jan. 2025
Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally until almost soft, about 5 minutes.
—Ivy Odom, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stirring
Adjective
Then with some of the most stirring words in American oratory, Kennedy told the students — and all of us — that individual courage can be a powerful force for good.
—John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 2025
Vanya runs off and Ani gets stuck tracking him down alongside a quiet, caring henchman (Yura Borisov) in a stirring Cinderella story of hope and human connection.
—Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 13 Feb. 2025
Noun
The team brewed the tea bags as a consumer would (minus the tea leaves) in sterile water heated to 95 degrees Celsius, or 203 degrees Fahrenheit, with constant stirring and then measured the number of plastic particles released.
—Jenna Anderson, Health, 19 Jan. 2025
Observing these stirrings, meanwhile, many American and other foreign observers see the beginnings of a larger effort to eject the United States from Asia and eventually replace it as the regional, and possibly even global, superpower.
—Michael D. Swaine, Foreign Affairs, 20 Apr. 2015
Verb
Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, then remove from heat.
—Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 5 Jan. 2025
Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally until almost soft, about 5 minutes.
—Ivy Odom, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stirring
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stirring
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
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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
Adjective
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The emotional dysregulation that comes with ADHD can fuel negative emotions and self-talk that come up for people with anorexia.—
Cheyenne Buckingham,
SELF,
19 Mar. 2025
-
Gordon, 30, shared an emotional farewell to a number of wives and girlfriends of Kansas City Chiefs players after her fiancé, Mecole Hardman Jr., reportedly signed a new deal with the Green Bay Packers on Tuesday, March 18.—
Sean Neumann,
People.com,
19 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
The combination of low humidity, dry fuels, and shifting winds has heightened the potential for spot fires and rapid expansion.—
Russell Lewis,
NPR,
8 Jan. 2025
-
The Daytime Emmys, which traditionally air in June (except when COVID and then the Hollywood strikes forced some rescheduling), will be shifting to October this year.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
8 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
This will deepen the divide between the global North and South on issues of race and cultural difference, straining the West’s diplomatic relations with countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America while provoking broader resentment toward Western countries seen as perpetuating racial hierarchies.—
Matias Spektor,
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
Adjective
-
Massive tour coaches with comically large high-flotation tires are occasional sights on the park’s other roadways, but snowmobiles are much faster and more exciting mounts that allow unfettered views of the stunning park vistas and wildlife.—
Jeremy Korzeniewski,
Robb Report,
20 Mar. 2025
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Newsletter Style Beauty Entertainment Shopping Wellness Culture Gifts Video Women of the Year Glamour Gift Shop Presents as exciting as their future.—
Jake Henry Smith,
Glamour,
20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Carriacou also has an impressive lineup of events throughout the year, including its own Carnival celebration every February and a famed regatta, giving travelers plenty of reasons to hop on the ferry or flight from Grenada. Petite Martinique The island of Petite Martinique is, indeed, petite.—
Carley Rojas Avila,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Mar. 2025
-
Schultz and Smith both pitched three impressive scoreless innings in their two Cactus League outings.—
LaMond Pope,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The lander has been busy working through its science tasks.—
Amanda Kooser,
Forbes,
12 Mar. 2025
-
The New England Patriots have been extremely busy during Free Agency so far.—
Evan Massey,
Newsweek,
12 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The fatal fight comes as state prison officials have moved to restrict some inmate movements at their facilities amid a wave of deadly violence.—
Darrell Smith,
Sacramento Bee,
13 Mar. 2025
-
The fashion consultant, who is squeezing in a session before work, lifts relatively light weights while doing simple movements to build strength: goblet squats with a 6-pound kettlebell, then bicep curls with a 10-pound weight.—
Deborah Vankin,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stirring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stirring. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
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