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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb stimulate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of stimulate are excite, pique, provoke, and quicken. While all these words mean "to arouse as if by pricking," stimulate suggests a rousing out of lethargy, quiescence, or indifference.

stimulating conversation

When would excite be a good substitute for stimulate?

While the synonyms excite and stimulate are close in meaning, excite implies a stirring up or moving profoundly.

news that excited anger and frustration

In what contexts can pique take the place of stimulate?

In some situations, the words pique and stimulate are roughly equivalent. However, pique suggests stimulating by mild irritation or challenge.

that remark piqued my interest

When might provoke be a better fit than stimulate?

The words provoke and stimulate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, provoke directs attention to the response called forth.

my stories usually provoke laughter

When can quicken be used instead of stimulate?

The meanings of quicken and stimulate largely overlap; however, quicken implies beneficially stimulating and making active or lively.

the high salary quickened her desire to have the job

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 stimulate May Promote Healthy Skin Beef liver contributes to skin health through its supply of vitamin A. Vitamin A promotes the elasticity of the skin and stimulates the regeneration of collagen fibers and cellular repair. Allison Herries, Verywell Health, 16 Apr. 2025 Plant or prune ground covers to clear dead portions and stimulate new growth — including ice plant, ivy, potentilla and wild strawberry. Clarence Schmidt, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Apr. 2025 Fine needles stimulate collagen and elastin for a glowing, even complexion, ideal for addressing hyperpigmentation before a trip. Rana Good, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025 Today, companies using the IRA’s clean-energy tax credits bring in capital which stimulates local economies. Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stimulate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stimulate
Verb
  • For now, any public attempt by Thune to check Trump would likely arouse even greater anger from the Republican base.
    David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025
  • This was music meant to arouse wonder and yearning.
    Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Brit, still processing, clocks that Kenya was angling for a full-on meltdown, trying to provoke her into playing the aggressor.
    Shelby Stewart, Essence, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Tariffs essentially act as an indirect tax on consumers, provoke retaliatory measures, drive inflation higher, and destabilize financial markets.
    Christian Catalini, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Combine Ingredients In a large bowl, stir together mayonnaise, sour cream, green onions, garlic powder, and salt.
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Apr. 2025
  • The united court verdict and its immediate acceptance by South Korea’s two major political parties stirred hope that the young democracy can turn the page on the martial law fiasco – a jarring reminder for many citizens of the country’s dark legacy of military dictatorship as recently as the 1980s.
    Ann Scott Tyson, Christian Science Monitor, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The Last of Us star got their first role in season 6 of Game of Thrones at 11 years old, and has their parents to thank for encouraging their career.
    Makena Gera, People.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Those who pick up the materials are encouraged to take a photo with their 988 sign, share it on their social media platforms and tag the Kane County Health Department to let their friends and family know that support is always available, according to the release.
    Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Yet, there are major lessons here for rival studios in how Warner Bros, post Barbie, has been able to energize social media, and target digital ads, to create an unforeseen blockbuster.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 7 Apr. 2025
  • When spring begins, I’m energized by the opportunity to dive head first into DIY-ing my lawn and garden with fresh blooms, plentiful vegetables, and various greenery.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 6 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Whether Coen can turn the Jaguars around hinges largely on his ability to remain true to himself, provide guidance to an equally unproven coaching staff and connect with and inspire an entire roster to catch his vision.
    Mike Jones, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Garcia inspired a steady stream of social media wisecracks by pairing the red hat and shirt for his LIV Golf team, Fireballs GC, with bright yellow pants.
    Brooks Peck, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • This refreshing serum gets its tingle from peppermint and tea tree, which works with caffeine to invigorate the scalp and maximize the absorption of the formula’s peptides.
    Emily Orofino, Vogue, 14 Apr. 2025
  • That’s consistent with his tariff policies, which aim to invigorate U.S. domestic production.
    David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • These allows the blooms to frame your exterior and create a stunning look that softens the lines of your architecture and enliven the scene.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The pedestal had an unusual feature for the drive-in resorts of the day: A sidewalk arcade of shops and restaurants that enlivened street life on Collins Avenue.
    Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 23 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Stimulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stimulate. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

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