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Some common synonyms of stimulate<\/em> are excite<\/em><\/a>, pique<\/em><\/a>, provoke<\/em><\/a>, and quicken<\/em><\/a>. While all these words mean \"to arouse as if by pricking,\" stimulate<\/em> suggests a rousing out of lethargy, quiescence, or indifference.<\/p>

\/\/ stimulating<\/em> conversation<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When would 'excite' be a good substitute for 'stimulate'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

While the synonyms excite<\/em><\/a> and stimulate<\/em> are close in meaning, excite<\/em> implies a stirring up or moving profoundly.<\/p>

\/\/ news that excited<\/em> anger and frustration<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "In what contexts can 'pique' take the place of 'stimulate'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

In some situations, the words pique<\/em><\/a> and stimulate<\/em> are roughly equivalent. However, pique<\/em> suggests stimulating by mild irritation or challenge.<\/p>

\/\/ that remark piqued<\/em> my interest<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When might 'provoke' be a better fit than 'stimulate'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The words provoke<\/em><\/a> and stimulate<\/em> are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, provoke<\/em> directs attention to the response called forth.<\/p>

\/\/ my stories usually provoke<\/em> laughter<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When can 'quicken' be used instead of 'stimulate'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The meanings of quicken<\/em><\/a> and stimulate<\/em> largely overlap; however, quicken<\/em> implies beneficially stimulating and making active or lively.<\/p>

\/\/ the high salary quickened<\/em> her desire to have the job<\/p>" } } ] }

stimulate

verb

ˈstim-yÉ™-ËŒlāt How to pronounce stimulate (audio)
Definition of stimulatenext
1
as in to arouse
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 to provoke
to rouse to strong feeling or action the government crackdown has only stimulated the citizenry to more acts of violence

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 There should be something there to stimulate your mind. —Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 24 Mar. 2026 Hyaluronic acid locks in moisture, making skin look plumper and smoother, while adenosine (a molecule your body naturally produces) stimulates the production of elastin so the area appears firmer over time. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 22 Mar. 2026 The induced impact of our cast and crew spending along with the workers along the supply chain in turn stimulated even more economic growth. —Dominic Patten, Deadline, 20 Mar. 2026 The cream also contains peptides to calm irritation and stimulate collagen and elastin production, and vitamin C for antioxidant protection. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 19 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stimulate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stimulate
  1. arouse
  2. provoke
  3. stir
  4. encourage
  5. energize
  6. inspire
  7. invigorate
  8. enliven
Verb
  • The system has aroused suspicions among some people who doubt the integrity of election systems.
    — Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Yes, this position may arouse some ire.
    — David Wolpe, The Atlantic, 9 Mar. 2026
Definition of arouse
Verb
  • The previous supreme leader made the mistake of enriching uranium but never building a nuclear weapon; in effect, his nuclear program went far enough to provoke the West into sanctions and military strikes but not far enough to provide protection.
    — Nicholas D. Kristof, Mercury News, 21 Mar. 2026
  • At work, Paige (Elle Chapman) punches a coworker who provokes her with truly unkind remarks about her father's death.
    — Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 21 Mar. 2026
Definition of provoke
Verb
  • Quench them with a copious deluge of water and stir to guarantee complete cooling.
    — KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2026
  • In a bowl, stir together the eggs, cream, half the cheese, cayenne and reserved shrimp mixture until blended.
    — Georgeanne Brennan, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2026
Definition of stir
Verb
  • Rollicking Japanese City Pop era tunes from the ‘80s and ‘90s keep energy levels up; on Sundays, off-duty geiko or maiko may be sitting at a cozy banquette nearby—they’re given a discount to encourage a local patronage, too.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Looking ahead, the town is also encouraging residents to reduce water use long term by replacing traditional turf grass with more drought-resistant landscaping.
    — Jamie Leary, CBS News, 21 Mar. 2026
Definition of encourage
Verb
  • Your 9th House of Expansion is energized by Venus and Chiron aligning, nudging you to choose growth over perfection in an expanding field.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Tiafoe said he was energized by the raucous Miami crowd.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 24 Mar. 2026
Definition of energize
Verb
  • The charity event helps raise money for the Sixers Youth Foundation, a nonprofit started back in 2015, whose mission is to use the power of basketball and the influence of the Sixers to inspire future generations.
    — Kerri Corrado, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
  • SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.
    — Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 26 Mar. 2026
Definition of inspire
Verb
  • March 21 – April 19 Lunar energy invigorates your natural drive.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2026
  • Passion fruit is known in perfume for its dynamic tropical, invigorating element.
    — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 14 Mar. 2026
Definition of invigorate
Verb
  • The interior features a living room with a fireplace and tangerine-colored seating that enlivens the space.
    — Kristin Braswell, Architectural Digest, 23 Mar. 2026
  • Cissy’s tiny and opinionated mother, Adelaide, shared the family’s modest apartment for six enlivening years.
    — Miranda Seymour, The New York Review of Books, 19 Mar. 2026
Definition of enliven

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Cite this Entry

“Stimulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stimulate. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of stimulate for Spanish Speakers

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