stimulating

adjective

stim·​u·​lat·​ing ˈstim-yə-ˌlā-tiŋ How to pronounce stimulating (audio)
: producing stimulation: such as
a
: enjoyably exciting or interesting
a very stimulating experience/environment
a stimulating discussion
"There is nothing more stimulating than a case where everything goes against you."Arthur Conan Doyle
b
: acting as a stimulant : producing increased energy or alertness
When nicotine reaches the brain it mimics the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which has a stimulating effect.Laura Mansnerus
They gave strong narcotic or stimulating drugs indiscriminately …John Laffin

Examples of stimulating in a Sentence

enjoys the good food and stimulating conversation at his best friend's house a brisk, stimulating walk on a bright, clear wintry day an article containing a stimulating argument for raising, not lowering, the tax on gasoline
Recent Examples on the Web Venus will enter Gemini that same day, bringing harmony and sensuality to your eighth house of intimacy, which is both sensual and stimulating for your one-on-one partnerships. Valerie Mesa, Peoplemag, 21 May 2024 The four textured surfaces will help soothe the baby’s gums while also providing stimulating tactile exploration. Maya Polton, Parents, 17 May 2024 Aquarius January 20 – February 18 Your home may be more stimulating than relaxing at the moment. Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 8 May 2024 That duo’s stimulating array of religious, scientific and celestial imagery is, however, arguably the show’s best element, as well as the only one that conveys the ideas at hand without jokey or sentimental pandering. Dennis Harvey, Variety, 17 May 2024 This Air sign will consciously engage their children with teaching and storytelling, often creating a lively and mentally stimulating atmosphere. Valerie Mesa, Peoplemag, 11 May 2024 This is an exciting day, because surprises and unexpected invitations, as well as sudden encounters with others, will make this a stimulating day! Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 7 Feb. 2024 The innovation center is designed to enhance the learning experience and create a stimulating atmosphere conducive to creativity and knowledge exchange. Charlotte Observer, 4 Apr. 2024 Their approach to the technology could also transform treatments that require stimulating nerves, muscles, or hearts. IEEE Spectrum, 16 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'stimulating.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1645, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stimulating was in 1645

Dictionary Entries Near stimulating

Cite this Entry

“Stimulating.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stimulating. Accessed 1 Jun. 2024.

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