1
as in breathtaking
causing great emotional or mental stimulation
the message of brotherhood in Martin Luther King's stirring "I Have a Dream" speech still resonates today
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2
as in emotional
having the power to affect the feelings or sympathies
a stirring rendition of the national anthem
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3
as in buzzing
marked by much life, movement, or activity
spring has arrived, and the meadow is stirring with life
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as in shifting
the act or an instance of changing position
I thought I detected a slight stirring of the leaves, and yet there wasn't a breath of wind
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1
2
as in moving
to change one's position
the cat stirred, then opened its eyes and slowly got to its feet
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3
as in provoking
to rouse to strong feeling or action
news coverage of the fire stirred many to send donations to a fund for the families who had lost their homes
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stirring
Miami Herald, 5 Apr. 2026
Among a standout cast in Kenneth Lonergan's stirring family drama, Affleck deftly navigates a whole range of emotions as a contentious Boston handyman and black sheep of his New England hometown.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 9 Mar. 2026
The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026
Hansi Flick’s side bowed out despite a stirring recovery after losing the first leg 2-0.
—Greg O'Keeffe, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2026
Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Apr. 2026
Netflix’s bracingly nasty action-thriller Apex is a fine addition, plonking the star down in a rugged Australian landscape and throwing nature’s formidable might at her while stirring a psychotic serial killer into the mix.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stirring
Adjective
After a half-hour opening ceremony, featuring a light show, fireworks and a stirring rending of the national anthem by Marc Anthony, the game began.
—Miami Herald, 5 Apr. 2026
Among a standout cast in Kenneth Lonergan's stirring family drama, Affleck deftly navigates a whole range of emotions as a contentious Boston handyman and black sheep of his New England hometown.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 9 Mar. 2026
Noun
My grandmother just kept sprinkling water and stirring until all the flour gathered into loose clumps, no longer powdery but not yet sticky.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026
Hansi Flick’s side bowed out despite a stirring recovery after losing the first leg 2-0.
—Greg O'Keeffe, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2026
Verb
Cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly darkened and sticky, 2–3 minutes.
—Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Apr. 2026
Netflix’s bracingly nasty action-thriller Apex is a fine addition, plonking the star down in a rugged Australian landscape and throwing nature’s formidable might at her while stirring a psychotic serial killer into the mix.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stirring
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stirring
Adjective
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Few journeys bring you as close to this breathtaking landscape as the Rocky Mountaineer, a train that threads through canyons, forests, and mountain passes.—
Taryn White,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Apr. 2026
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Time honoree Nikki Glaser is breathtaking in baby blue at the 2026 TIME100 Gala in New York City on April 23.—
Toria Sheffield,
PEOPLE,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Snitker grew emotional while thanking his friend and mentor in his speech.—
Gabriel Burns,
AJC.com,
26 Apr. 2026
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His emotional reaction to the announcement of his name was caught on camera during the draft telecast.—
Steve Megargee,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The feeding ports keep out buzzing bees, while the ant moat hanger will keep away pesky ants, so the nectar is saved just for the hummingbirds.—
Brittany VanDerBill,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 Apr. 2026
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Located near Phipps Plaza and Lenox Square, these elegant accommodations are in the neighborhood's buzzing fashion district.—
Ellie Nan Storck,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The conventions of American journalism don’t serve this shifting, multi-sided reality well.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Land borders dispute since 1948 The creation of the state of Israel in 1948, which led to the mass displacement of over 750,000 Palestinians and a subsequent Arab-Israeli war in 1948, led to a further shifting of borders in the region.—
Mireille Rebeiz,
The Conversation,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
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There’s a lot of controversy swirling around surveillance technology, and Atlanta is a hotbed of it.—
AJ Willingham,
AJC.com,
28 Apr. 2026
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Rumors have been swirling that the iPhone's 20th anniversary will bring some big changes for some time.—
Will McCurdy,
PC Magazine,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Step back, limit input, and process what’s coming up before moving forward with clearer boundaries.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
25 Apr. 2026
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April 19 guest commentary The recent commentary on the Colorado Connector rail service was supportive of moving ahead.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The films below offer up thought-provoking answers, but not all of them are bullish on humanity’s chances.—
Keith Phipps,
Vulture,
23 Apr. 2026
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On a brighter note, under this thought-provoking transit, networking can become surprisingly fruitful.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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But that exciting crash sequence — from initial turbulence through to catastrophic Pacific Ocean landing — is where high-stakes action specialist Harlin is most firmly in his sweet spot.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Apr. 2026
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Friends, networks and social circles can bring exciting connections now.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stirring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stirring. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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