1
as in incentive
something that arouses action or activity
the relaxed zoning regulations should serve as a stimulant for development in the area
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in alcohol
a distilled beverage that can make a person drunk
I always take a bottle of stimulant along on trips, for emergencies like plane crashes or earthquakes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in stimulating
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
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 stimulant
Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 1 Apr. 2026
Some studies have suggested a link to stimulants prescribed for ADHD.
—David Cox, NBC news, 25 Mar. 2026
Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 26 Mar. 2026
Eating the leaves can produce opioid- and stimulant-like effects.
—Lucia Cheng, Des Moines Register, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stimulant
Noun
Key Takeaways Avoid eating large meals or consuming stimulants like caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine close to bedtime to improve sleep and support blood pressure management.
—Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 1 Apr. 2026
Some studies have suggested a link to stimulants prescribed for ADHD.
—David Cox, NBC news, 25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
Depending on the dosage, consumption can cause stimulant effects in low dosages and sedative effects in high doses, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration in 2020.
—Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 26 Mar. 2026
Eating the leaves can produce opioid- and stimulant-like effects.
—Lucia Cheng, Des Moines Register, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stimulant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stimulant
Noun
-
There are no performance incentive payments or cost-of-living increase for senior leadership in the current fiscal year, according to a budget overview, and no incentive payments for anyone in the coming fiscal year starting July 1.—
Michael Smolens,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
-
In 2022, Massachusetts became the first state in the country to adopt an equity performance incentive, explicitly holding the system accountable for reaching low-income households, renters, and communities of color.—
Ed Gaskin,
Boston Herald,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The characters can be flawed, and cars can crash, McDermott says, but NASCAR wanted race scenes to look authentic and was adamant that the series not depict anyone driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
30 Apr. 2026
-
To participate, travelers must be 21 or older, the legal age to purchase alcohol in the United States.—
Hali Smith,
Idaho Statesman,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
In this Air sign, desire is playful, youthful and mentally stimulating.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
23 Apr. 2026
-
His guiding goal was to develop and produce world premieres or plays that only had a few previous productions — laser-focused on intellectually and emotionally stimulating dramas, comedies and musicals.—
Bill Hirschman,
Sun Sentinel,
14 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Beginning with the stimulus of a cup or two of strong coffee, fifteen-year-old Columbia College sophomore George Templeton Strong started a diary in 1835.—
Matthew Wills,
JSTOR Daily,
27 Apr. 2026
-
The project aims to produce materials that change their mechanical properties and shape in response to external light stimuli.—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Her aunt used to own the popular sandwich shop in the plaza, Ba Le Sandwich, and her parents owned a hair salon and liquor store across the street.—
Chierstin Roth,
CBS News,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Dame asks Ava’s grifter castmate, Charlie, of all people, to procure a liquor license.—
Ile-Ife Okantah,
Vulture,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The freebie was the likely impetus for the big increase in attendance, but Murakami’s slugging surely convinced some fans to come check out the scene on the South Side on a sunny but cool afternoon.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2026
-
After a brief interruption due to bad light, Josh Clarkson's late impetus guided New Zealand to a challenging total.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
People come in, just have a few drinks and listen to music, and then stick around and come to the next show and the next show.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
30 Apr. 2026
-
The afternoon features food and drinks, a DJ, dancing, games, contests, a photo booth and music included in the cost of tickets.—
Patrick Connolly,
The Orlando Sentinel,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
For a truly energizing experience, the signature Water Ritual incorporates a dry sauna, cold deluge shower and wet steam with an invigorating scrub, culminating with dips in the hot and cold plunge pools.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
23 Apr. 2026
-
According to a Chef Rotanak Ros The Cambodian celeb chef known as Chef Nak shares her recipe for an invigorating weekend in the cradle of Khmer cuisine.—
Matt Ortile,
Condé Nast Traveler,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stimulant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stimulant. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
