stimulus

noun

ˈstim-yə-ləs How to pronounce stimulus (audio)
Definition of stimulusnext
as in incentive
something that arouses action or activity seeing a Broadway play for the first time was the stimulus for her career in the theater

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 stimulus Consequently, the resulting economic stimulus, inflationary pressure, and intense competition for capital could propel the 10 year US Treasury yield toward a high of 6% before next January. — CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026 Scientists are beginning to treat gravity almost like a drug, varying its strength, duration, and frequency on the human body to learn what dose might keep astronauts healthy and whether the same stimulus could help rehabilitate patients on Earth. — Stefanie Waldek, Space.com, 29 Sep. 2026 During that time, the release of what was then-unprecedented stimulus swung the downstream situation from one of caution around order placement to one of concern about insufficient inventory. — Sj Guest Editorial, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026 Its electrical output can be measured using laboratory equipment, demonstrating that the device responds to subtle mechanical stimuli. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 29 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stimulus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stimulus
  1. incentive
  2. impetus
  3. encouragement
  4. motivation
Noun
  • Strong demand for oil, particularly from Asia, continues to provide an incentive for tanker operators to transport energy supplies from the Persian Gulf, even as security threats complicate voyages.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026
  • But Sawie emphasized that this work is just part of the solution, noting that real progress can’t be made until farmers have access to reliable markets and incentives that recognize the work put into transitioning to organic practices.
    — Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of incentive
Noun
  • The impetus for Whalefall came from a viral video in which a kayaker ended up in the mouth of a whale.
    — Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026
  • So, if your travels find you in Milan before 2027 kicks off, consider this your impetus to go ahead and book that room.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of impetus
Noun
  • Jonah himself is remaining positive while keeping his spirits up thanks to the love, support and encouragement of his family, friends and all those doctors and nurses who care so much for him.
    — Patrick Snell, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026
  • After encouragement from the coaches, Koerber improved his personal best by three minutes at his next race, Brown said.
    — Donald Fountain, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of encouragement
Noun
  • Rational motivations like eco-consciousness, economic pragmatism, and technophilia inform EV purchases.
    — Peter Gaston, Time, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Cardellini was also intrigued by the chance to develop Pamela’s unique motivation throughout the series.
    — William Earl, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of motivation

Browse Nearby Words

stimuli
stimulus
sting
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Cite this Entry

“Stimulus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stimulus. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on stimulus

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about stimulus

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