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
Tang and co-founder Joe Hollier noted the OS is designed to be less stimulating, from its monochrome appearance to the launcher that simply displays a list of tools rather than expressive app icons. — New Atlas, 22 July 2026 Key recommendations include Provide all children with good-quality education and support lifelong cognitive activity through mentally stimulating activities. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026
Verb
Later in life, tretinoin is equally sought after for its ability to improve the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and discoloration by stimulating skin-cell turnover. — Kelsey Stewart, Allure, 18 Aug. 2026 Learning new skills, playing word games and having stimulating hobbies like reading or puzzles keeps the mind sharp. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stimulating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stimulating
  1. exciting
  2. refreshing
  3. provocative
  4. arousing
  5. provoking
  6. breathtaking
  7. charged
  8. energizing
Adjective
  • That performance and a handful of others leads the way as the UFC wrapped up an exciting event from Shanghai.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • While a lot of the shorts are fully animated, the parts where this cartoon interacts with the real world were the most exciting then and are still a delight now.
    — James Grebey, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of exciting
Adjective
  • The final non-alcoholic drink is a cherry lemonade, which will be perfectly refreshing after a hot day in the theme parks.
    — Megan duBois, Southern Living, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Not only are the fruits delicious and refreshing, but these elegant trees produce beautiful, fragrant blooms in early spring too.
    — Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of refreshing
Adjective
  • In the meantime, MapQuest has been active on X, posting provocative tweets to capitalize on the controversy.
    — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The film revisits one of the most provocative and scrutinized franchises in the history of TV news.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of provocative
Verb
  • Today, fiery Mars moves to the top of your chart to stay for the next six weeks, arousing your ambition as never before.
    — Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 9 Apr. 2026
  • No clear catalyst One reason the surge in oil futures trading is arousing suspicion is that no market-moving announcements were slated for Monday morning, such as government economic releases or speeches from Federal Reserve officials.
    — Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026
Definition of arousing
Verb
  • By the mid-nineteenth century, the it-narrative began to interest authors invested less in provoking excitement than in guiding the moral development of their readers.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Ukraine’s recent strikes into Russia also have exposed weaknesses in Russia’s air defenses, which could prompt Putin to think twice about provoking a retaliatory attack.
    — Emma Burrows, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of provoking
Adjective
  • Nvidia's giveback Friday was certainly not because the company didn't report an amazing, if not breathtaking, quarter.
    — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The experience goes far beyond the golf course; Palmares is known across the world for having one of the most breathtaking clubhouse environments in all of golf.
    — Jeff Goudy, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of breathtaking
Adjective
  • The result is an urgent, propulsive song with a raw spirit and some of Pop’s most super-charged writing with deceptively simple lyrics about love and war, dripping with desperation.
    — Debby Wolfinsohn, Entertainment Weekly, 7 July 2026
  • What Happens Next Greene is likely to continue stoking controversy by breaking with her party, as conversations around immigration remain charged and divisive.
    — Alia Shoaib, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
Definition of charged
Verb
  • Every event brings the character closer to their goal or takes them further away, energizing them or creating turmoil.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026
  • DedCool 01 Taunt Eau de Parfum Taunt may be the sweetest fragrance on this list, but its sugary vanilla is undercut by a fresh, energizing burst of bergamot and dewy blackcurrant buds.
    — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of energizing

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Cite this Entry

“Stimulating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stimulating. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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