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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stirring
Richard Newby, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2025
After a stirring Game 1 between the Nuggets and Clippers, here are three trends to watch Monday in Game 2 and for the remainder of the first-round series.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 20 Apr. 2025
Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 27 Feb. 2025
This evidence for the presence of liquid water on the ancient body from which Bennu formed provides a tantalizing possibility: the possibility that Bennu’s progenitor may have seen the first stirrings of life.
—Tom Hawking, Popular Science, 29 Jan. 2025
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
But this isn’t a fire-and-brimstone movie, and music, such stirring music performed by Caton and composer Ludwig Goransson, won’t damn us.
—Richard Newby, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2025
After a stirring Game 1 between the Nuggets and Clippers, here are three trends to watch Monday in Game 2 and for the remainder of the first-round series.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 20 Apr. 2025
Noun
Johanna’s worldly bearing and otherworldly beauty; the unbearable stirrings of jealousy aroused when her teacher bonds with other students; the deeper bond that forms when Johanne impulsively pays a visit to Johanna’s apartment.
—Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 27 Feb. 2025
This evidence for the presence of liquid water on the ancient body from which Bennu formed provides a tantalizing possibility: the possibility that Bennu’s progenitor may have seen the first stirrings of life.
—Tom Hawking, Popular Science, 29 Jan. 2025
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
-
At the center is Cerro San Cristóbal, with breathtaking views of wildflowers, pine forests and the Andes Mountains.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
27 May 2025
-
Michelangelo Imperfect–a breathtaking new Michelangelo Buonarroti exhibition at the Statens Museum for Kunst (SMK) National Gallery of Denmark–is the most comprehensive display of the Renaissance artist’s sculptural work in 150 years.—
Lee Sharrock,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2025
Adjective
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Melling portrays parking attendant Colin with the thrilling curiosity and emotional depth of a young gay man exploring his sexuality for the first time, while attempting to define his own desires and identity, independent of his much more experienced dom.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
18 May 2025
-
Lawrence — mother to two children now — was visibly emotional talking about working with Ramsay on the subject matter.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
18 May 2025
Verb
-
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
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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
Verb
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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
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While seemingly indifferent, like Yi-young, Gi-on actually finds the department exciting and wants to stay.—
Kayti Burt,
Time,
19 May 2025
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There were a variety of topics covered today, including what the ramifications of failing to qualify for the Champions League would be, who should replace Alexander Isak against Everton if the striker is declared unfit, Sean Longstaff's future, and whether exciting, marquee signings will arrive.—
Chris Waugh,
New York Times,
19 May 2025
Adjective
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It’s got a wide range from super fine powdery grains to cracked peppercorns and has impressive output with fewer twists.—
Adam Campbell-Schmitt,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
20 May 2025
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Reserve this prime space for content that demonstrates your expertise or highlights impressive client results.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
Adjective
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April Kiser, a spokesperson for Arkansas State Parks, said Memorial Day weekend is a particularly busy time for state parks.—
Amir Mahmoud,
Arkansas Online,
23 May 2025
-
Amazon has been busy infusing AI into the shopping experience.—
Jibin Joseph,
PC Magazine,
22 May 2025
Noun
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But the Bananas are just one example in a broader movement.—
John Cairney,
Sportico.com,
24 May 2025
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The agreement, which covers various forms of cooperation between the two parties, including the free movement of goods and scientific collaboration, has been in place for 25 years.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
24 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stirring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stirring. Accessed 1 Jun. 2025.
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