1
as in arouses
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
2
as in provokes
to rouse to strong feeling or action
the government crackdown has only stimulated the citizenry to more acts of violence
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stimulates
Moisture Moist soil holds heat better than dry soil, and the combination of heat and moisture is what stimulates seeds to sprout.
—
Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 20 Apr. 2026
Fortunately, certain types of mushrooms are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light during or after harvesting, which stimulates vitamin D production in the mushrooms.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 6 Apr. 2026
Beta-glucan also stimulates the release of GLP-1 from the gut, sending hormonal signals of fullness to the brain.
—Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 3 Apr. 2026
This molecule directly stimulates bone-building cells, helping increase bone density and strength.
—Hadia Zainab, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2026
Belber said the event traditionally stimulates the local economy, bringing visitors into hotels, bars, restaurants and retail shops, not to mention the prestige of highlighting the city of Albany in a tournament that draws international broadcast viewers.
—Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 29 Mar. 2026
Because alcohol consumption likewise stimulates the brain’s reward pathways partly through endogenous opioid signaling, naltrexone also reduces the rewarding sensations associated with drinking and can diminish the urge to continue drinking.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 Mar. 2026
Cumin stimulates the production of digestive enzymes, which can relieve bloating and diarrhea.
—Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
When open, the nerve cell stimulates other cells.
—Jacob A Tennessen, The Conversation, 26 Mar. 2026
Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 20 Apr. 2026
Fortunately, certain types of mushrooms are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light during or after harvesting, which stimulates vitamin D production in the mushrooms.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 6 Apr. 2026
Beta-glucan also stimulates the release of GLP-1 from the gut, sending hormonal signals of fullness to the brain.
—Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 3 Apr. 2026
This molecule directly stimulates bone-building cells, helping increase bone density and strength.
—Hadia Zainab, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2026
Belber said the event traditionally stimulates the local economy, bringing visitors into hotels, bars, restaurants and retail shops, not to mention the prestige of highlighting the city of Albany in a tournament that draws international broadcast viewers.
—Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 29 Mar. 2026
Because alcohol consumption likewise stimulates the brain’s reward pathways partly through endogenous opioid signaling, naltrexone also reduces the rewarding sensations associated with drinking and can diminish the urge to continue drinking.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 Mar. 2026
Cumin stimulates the production of digestive enzymes, which can relieve bloating and diarrhea.
—Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
When open, the nerve cell stimulates other cells.
—Jacob A Tennessen, The Conversation, 26 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stimulates
Verb
-
More than three devices is considered a cluster that arouses interest.—
Carolyn Forché,
New Yorker,
3 Nov. 2025
-
That intense scarcity arouses a FOMO among very wealthy car lovers that allows Ferrari to charge prices like $250,000 for one of its entry-level cars, and $3 million for a hypercar like its F80.—
Phil Wahba,
Fortune,
27 Oct. 2025
Verb
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But the question of what is true or not is futile, even if Calle deliberately provokes this curiosity.—
Elisa Wouk Almino
Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The flurry of imagery provokes a surreal sort of whiplash.—
Kyle Chayka,
New Yorker,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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At the same time, your home and personal life are evolving, as Uranus in Gemini stirs things up between your personal and professional life.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
1 May 2026
-
As the rise of artificial intelligence stirs anxiety over the technology taking people's jobs, AI is also opening pathways to new careers, according to LinkedIn.—
Mary Cunningham,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The Sustainable Ihram Initiative also complements other efforts by the fashion commission, such as the Swap Shop program, which encourages consumers to exchange unwanted clothes rather than discarding them.—
FMG Studios,
Footwear News,
1 May 2026
-
Mouth tape encourages nasal breathing and may reduce snoring.—
Samantha Agate,
Miami Herald,
1 May 2026
Verb
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Lively Mars energizes your 9th House of Travel, sextiling ardent Pluto in your 7th House of Connections.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
16 Apr. 2026
-
Finances and fun tug at each other as the dynamic Sun energizes your 2nd House of Budgeting and squares joyous Jupiter in your 5th House of Indulgence.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
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But what inspires me is the idea of putting something beautiful into the world.—
James Manso,
Footwear News,
28 Apr. 2026
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So my hope is that at least a single candidate ups their game and comes to voters with not just attacks, but something that inspires, something that sets them apart.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Once repair is complete, growth hormone activates a brainstem region called the locus coeruleus, which gently nudges you toward waking.—
Allison Palmer,
Miami Herald,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Dreaming big is par for the course when Mercury activates Jupiter.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
This subtle friction animates World Rhythms.—
Joshua Minsoo Kim,
Pitchfork,
28 Apr. 2026
-
The hotel’s immersive aesthetic is the work of Venu Juneja, the art and design consultant whose vision animates every corner of the property without crowding it.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stimulates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stimulates. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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