1
as in to arouse
to give life, vigor, or spirit to
research into alternative energy sources has been stimulated by this funding increase
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to provoke
to rouse to strong feeling or action
the government crackdown has only stimulated the citizenry to more acts of violence
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stimulate
From removing buildup to stimulating circulation and keeping your complexion vibrant and balanced, estheticians often recommend monthly facials as necessary maintenance for your skin.
—
Essence, 8 Oct. 2025
Nostalgia stimulates positive emotional experiences, as well as improving an individual's self-esteem.
—Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025
Castor oil contains something called ricinoleic acid, which stimulates smooth muscle (the small and large intestines each contain multiple layers) and can mimic the effects of a laxative.
—Morgan Fargo, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2025
The two-in-one toy features a spinning ball, a pop-up tail, and feathers to stimulate a cat's hunting instincts.
—Christine Persaud, USA Today, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stimulate
Essence, 8 Oct. 2025
Nostalgia stimulates positive emotional experiences, as well as improving an individual's self-esteem.
—Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025
Castor oil contains something called ricinoleic acid, which stimulates smooth muscle (the small and large intestines each contain multiple layers) and can mimic the effects of a laxative.
—Morgan Fargo, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2025
The two-in-one toy features a spinning ball, a pop-up tail, and feathers to stimulate a cat's hunting instincts.
—Christine Persaud, USA Today, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stimulate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stimulate
Verb
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For various reasons—his kids are off from school during the robbery; his getaway driver drops out; his hotheaded gunman arouses suspicion—his haphazard caper doesn’t lead to riches.—
Robert Daniels,
Time,
10 Oct. 2025
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The titillating drama explores the complexities of dominant-submissive relationships and fetishes, as Ray gets aroused by making Colin lick his boots, buy his groceries and sleep at the foot of his bed.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
6 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The combined vaccine has been extensively studied and consistently shown to provoke an immune response comparable to what’s seen when the individual vaccines are given separately, and without raising the risk of serious side effects.—
Katia Hetter,
CNN Money,
8 Oct. 2025
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Things that are shocking and terrible provoke our curiosity; if nothing ever went wrong, there would be no newspapers.—
Caity Weaver,
The Atlantic,
8 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In a heatproof bowl, stir together the eggs, egg yolks, and cornstarch until completely combined.—
Stephanie Ganz,
Southern Living,
12 Oct. 2025
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Warm it over medium heat and stir in the gelatin.—
Cody Godwin,
USA Today,
12 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact detectives at 816-234-5043 or the anonymous TIPS hotline at 816-474-TIPS.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
10 Oct. 2025
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Eating seasonally encourages a more varied diet that can support overall health and help the body adapt to seasonal changes.—
Stephanie Brown,
Verywell Health,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Politicians and special interest groups on both sides of the ideological divide fuel the fire by leveraging school board battles to energize voters and galvanize their base.—
Scott Levy,
Time,
8 Oct. 2025
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Behn, a former community organizer who has represented parts of Nashville in the state House of Representatives since 2023, sought to energize rural voters in the primary and lay the groundwork to flip the seat in December, with a particular focus on mobilizing millennials and Gen-Z.—
Austin Hornbostel,
Nashville Tennessean,
8 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The evening's menu will be inspired by the time period and be accompanied by cocktails of the era.—
Carin Schoppmeyer,
Arkansas Online,
12 Oct. 2025
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The United Nations welcomed two new officials to the advisory committee for its Human Rights Council this week in a vote that did not inspire confidence in the humanitarian body.—
Timothy Nerozzi,
The Washington Examiner,
11 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Notes of vanilla bean, ambroxan, and cedarwood blend with invigorating pink pepper, bergamot, and lily to create a scent that's complex, addictive, and perfect for fall.—
Karina Hoshikawa,
Refinery29,
8 Oct. 2025
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There are some parties who aren’t sure CBS News needs to be invigorated.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
6 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Hendersonville also has a first-rate downtown with museums, shops, and restaurants to enliven a weekend trip.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
2 Oct. 2025
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By contrast, Accra, the nation’s capital, with its Parliamentary Building and Black Star Square, is enlivened by streams of mellow banter and commerce.—
Edna Bonhomme,
Artforum,
1 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stimulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stimulate. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.
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