stimulant

noun

stim·u·lant ˈstim-yə-lənt

Synonyms of stimulant

: an agent (such as a drug) that produces a temporary increase of the functional activity or efficiency of an organism or any of its parts

: stimulus

: an alcoholic beverage

—not used technically

stimulant adjective

Examples of stimulant in a Sentence

The movie was a stimulant to discussion. the relaxed zoning regulations should serve as a stimulant for development in the area

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

Most pair stimulants like caffeine or paraxanthine with focus-support compounds like L-theanine, citicoline and rhodiola, plus adaptogens like lion’s mane and ashwagandha. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 20 Oct. 2026 Formulas vary widely, but most pair stimulants with focus compounds and adaptogens. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2026 Between 2020 and 2024, nearly 40% of overdose deaths in Colorado involved both opioids and stimulants. — Joshua Barocas, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2026 Children with preexisting conditions such as high blood pressure are at especially high risk, Hannon said, but even healthy children who get too much of a stimulant can have serious problems. — ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stimulant

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1728, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of stimulant was circa 1728

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

stimulancy

stimulant

stimulate

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Stimulant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stimulant. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

stimulant

noun

stim·u·lant ˈstim-yə-lənt

: something (as a drug) that temporarily increases the activity or efficiency of the body or one of its parts

a heart stimulant

: stimulus sense 1

stimulant adjective

Medical Definition

stimulant

noun

stim·u·lant ˈstim-yə-lənt

: an agent (as a drug) that produces a temporary increase of the functional activity or efficiency of an organism or any of its parts

: stimulus sense 2

stimulant

noun

Synonyms of stimulant

Examples of stimulant in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition

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