stimulating

adjective

stim·​u·​lat·​ing ˈstim-yə-ˌlā-tiŋ How to pronounce stimulating (audio)
: producing stimulation: such as
a
: enjoyably exciting or interesting
a very stimulating experience/environment
a stimulating discussion
"There is nothing more stimulating than a case where everything goes against you."Arthur Conan Doyle
b
: acting as a stimulant : producing increased energy or alertness
When nicotine reaches the brain it mimics the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which has a stimulating effect.Laura Mansnerus
They gave strong narcotic or stimulating drugs indiscriminately …John Laffin

Examples of stimulating in a Sentence

enjoys the good food and stimulating conversation at his best friend's house a brisk, stimulating walk on a bright, clear wintry day an article containing a stimulating argument for raising, not lowering, the tax on gasoline
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Clinicians report treating families that use melatonin to counteract the stimulating effects of caffeine. ArsTechnica, 8 Apr. 2025 Because of this, the immediate stimulating effect may be milder. Lisa Desantis, Glamour, 31 Mar. 2025 While sharing memories of his experiences across his filmography, Fassbender recalls that his horse had a stimulating reaction to his presence. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 21 Mar. 2025 Following a year of whispers, of suggestions that PIF’s interest was waning, the noises are that PIF has privately reasserted its wider ambitions — which Eales’ successor will be tasked with achieving longer-term — something which has had a stimulating effect behind the scenes. Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 18 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stimulating

Word History

First Known Use

1645, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stimulating was in 1645

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Cite this Entry

“Stimulating.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stimulating. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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