STIMULATES Synonyms: 161 Similar and Opposite Words

stimulates

verb

present tense third-person singular of stimulate

as in arouses

to give life, vigor, or spirit to research into alternative energy sources has been stimulated by this funding increase

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as in provokes

to rouse to strong feeling or action the government crackdown has only stimulated the citizenry to more acts of violence

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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 stimulates The glasses project light onto 378 pixels in the implant, which converts those light patterns into an electrical current that stimulates the retina’s bipolar cells. — Erica Sweeney, Time, 15 Oct. 2026 Observation generates hypotheses; hypotheses lead to anatomical investigation; anatomy stimulates physiological questions; physiology eventually produces clinical trials. — Subramaniam C. Krishnan, STAT, 28 Sep. 2026 The intimate spa offers a number of different treatments and beauty rituals, but the standout one is Oro di Amalfi, an exclusive massage with natural lemon oils that relaxes and stimulates the chakras. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026 The real clarity lies in a creative venture that mentally stimulates you. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2026 Also contributing to a balanced scalp is caffeine, which stimulates the scalp skin and, with continuous use, potentially encourages growth. — Sarah Han, Allure, 24 Sep. 2026 Deep laughter opens up the chest, boosts oxygen intake and stimulates circulation. — Don Riddell, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2026 This serum stimulates the skin’s natural collagen and elastin production, helping to minimize fine lines and wrinkles while boosting the skin’s overall resilience and glow. — ABC News, 19 Sep. 2026 Retinal also stimulates collagen production, which helps to firm the skin and reduce sagging. — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 17 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stimulates

Verb

More than three devices is considered a cluster that arouses interest.

— Carolyn Forché, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2025
That intense scarcity arouses a FOMO among very wealthy car lovers that allows Ferrari to charge prices like $250,000 for one of its entry-level cars, and $3 million for a hypercar like its F80.

— Phil Wahba, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025

Definition of arouses

Verb

Another question, says Professor Trotti at Ithaca College, is whether a public execution portrays strength or provokes horror.

— Patrik Jonsson, Christian Science Monitor, 10 Oct. 2026
In deceptively plain diction, the hurdle of one love relationship provokes an exploration of desire and belonging.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of provokes

Verb

Watching polygamous families, Surya says, stirs pity, judgment and empathy in her, as well as fascination with the camaraderie, rivalry and sisterhood between the women.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
Continue reading … STAR POWER CLASH — DHS fires back at rock singer after anti-ICE concert eruption stirs outrage.

— , FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of stirs

Verb

Applied to a solo outing, that approach encourages diners to appreciate the meal in front of them instead of scrolling through their phones.

— Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Oct. 2026
Jordan says a recent guideline change encourages doctors to diagnose and treat sooner based on symptoms.

— Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of encourages

Verb

The first is whether Phase 1 energizes anywhere near its early 2028 target.

— Jon Markman, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Auspicious Jupiter energizes your 3rd House of Communication while imaginative Neptune harmonizes from your 11th House of Friends and Community, making ideas, introductions, and pitches flow more easily.

— Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 20 July 2026

Definition of energizes

Verb

The agency rejected the recommendation, saying that using cameras that automatically activate when an officer pulls their weapon or activates a car siren could risk privacy concerns.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
And a few are very highly specific, such as the protease that activates insulin, which only cuts near a very specific series of amino acids.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of activates

Verb

The drama that animates Mud is a Sisyphean one, and Wolf casts herself as agent of her own embarrassment and woe.

— Enzo Escober, Pitchfork, 9 Oct. 2026
Its legacy animates both movements seeking greater inclusion and campaigns promising to restore a national unity defined in racial or cultural terms.

— Faisal Devji, Time, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of animates

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“Stimulates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stimulates. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of stimulates

verb

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