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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 Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS): QSBS is a tax benefit to stimulate investment in new startup companies. Martin Shenkman, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025 These arachnids stimulate Mexican petunias to produce white cottony coverings of surface leaf hairs as protection. Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 July 2025 In fact, scientists say today's children are exposed to far fewer antigens—the components that stimulate immune responses—than their grandparents were, despite receiving more immunizations overall. Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025 The Cancer new moon stimulates your visionary capacities. Usa Today, USA Today, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for stimulate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stimulate
Verb
  • Like the rakish characters in La Piscine, those in Last Summer are caught in a folie à plusieurs, where the idyllic, island setting seems to arouse their worst impulses.
    Erik Morse, Vogue, 26 June 2025
  • Cassie admitted ecstasy made her feel euphoric and aroused, while ketamine would make her dissociative.
    Tracy Wright , Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Run adversarial simulations, employ red teams, and commission third-party evaluations that deliberately try to provoke harmful behaviors.
    Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
  • Don't run away or climb a tree, which may provoke a chase.
    Kaycee Sloan, The Enquirer, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • Just the idea of a super-fight between generations has already stirred the pot.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
  • Roast, stirring twice, until corn is browned, about 20 minutes.
    Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • If your plants are still fruiting towards the end of the season, cut away any small fruit and lingering flowers to encourage your plant to spend its remaining energy ripening the last few cucumbers on the vine.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 July 2025
  • South Bend offers a good example of how to encourage developers to address these needs, Ibrahim said.
    Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • Lila felt energized by her role in shaping the company’s future.
    Melody Wilding, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • That emotional stance energizes her supporters and turns community fears into a sense of political unity.
    Matt Klink, Oc Register, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • Set against the backdrop of Costa Rica and inspired by true events, 52nd State follows an IT worker who discovers his job is a front for a criminal operation that scams elderly Americans.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 14 July 2025
  • His 2024 album Tears on the Beach, inspired by his time on Survivor, featured collaborations between indie rockers and reality stars—pairings that included Mannequin Pussy’s Marisa Dabice with Season 45 winner Dee Valladares, and Shannon Shaw alongside Coach Benjamin Wade, a.k.a.
    Sarah Grant, Rolling Stone, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Allies of President Trump have alleged that China rigged the 2020 results in former President Biden's favor, invigorating hardcore supporters to march on the Capitol, leading to the siege of January 6, 2021.
    Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
  • Mars in Virgo invigorates stamina, pushing us toward change even though Saturn is encouraging us to stand still.
    Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • Inspiration is what enlivens and gives actual meaning to work.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 3 June 2025
  • Jane Austen Wrecked My Life The Bottom Line Sweet rom-com enlivened by a delightful heroine.
    Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 27 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Stimulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stimulate. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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