STIMULATE Synonyms: 161 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

stimulate

verb

ˈstim-yə-ˌlāt

Definition of stimulate next

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

as in to provoke

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

Examples 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 Hair Thinning Therapy Moisturizing Masque $20 Amazon The ideal pick for fine hair or hair that is thinning, this mask reduces breakage and shedding while stimulating the hair follicle to encourage new and thicker growth. —

Ariel Wodarcyk, Glamour, 7 Jan. 2025 These are said to support the circadian clock and also stimulate the release of serotonin, thereby increasing concentration and well-being. —

Desireé Oostland, Vogue, 31 Dec. 2024 Inflation will remain above the Federal Reserve’s target, with President-elect Trump’s policies limiting production while stimulating spending. —

Bill Conerly, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024 Chew sugarless gum with xylitol (a sweetener that may prevent cavities), or suck on candy flavored with citrus, cinnamon, or mint to stimulate saliva flow. —

Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 27 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for stimulate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stimulate

Verb

Mars’ connection to Neptune arouses passions but tempers your ego, empowering you to express your feelings.

— USA TODAY, USA TODAY, 12 Jan. 2025
With his cop’s instincts aroused, Fok smells a rat and decides to dig deeper into Ma’s case.

— Richard Kuipers, Variety, 10 Jan. 2025