stimulant 1 of 2

noun

ˈstim-yə-lənt How to pronounce stimulant (audio)
Definition of stimulantnext
1
as in incentive
something that arouses action or activity the relaxed zoning regulations should serve as a stimulant for development in the area

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in alcohol
a distilled beverage that can make a person drunk I always take a bottle of stimulant along on trips, for emergencies like plane crashes or earthquakes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

stimulant

2 of 2

adjective

as in stimulating

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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 stimulant
Noun
As a practicing psychiatrist, Lembke routinely prescribes stimulants for ADHD, opioids for pain and benzodiazepines for insomnia and anxiety. — James Cirrone, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026 Researchers have found evidence that ancient humans chewed on betel nuts, a stimulant still widely used today. — Devika Rao, TheWeek, 21 Sep. 2026
Adjective
And simply watering the seeds properly is a growth stimulant. — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Aug. 2026 Users usually chew it for an effect similar to amphetamines, or it is dried and boiled to create a stimulant tea. — Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stimulant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stimulant
  1. incentive
  2. alcohol
  3. stimulating
  4. stimulus
  5. liquor
  6. energizing
  7. impetus
  8. drink
Noun
  • New discoveries matter only if companies have the incentive and capital to bring them to market.
    — Rick Lazio, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Some may question whether these procedures are used too often, whether the evidence supporting them is strong enough, or whether financial incentives influence their use.
    — Antje M. Barreveld, STAT, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of incentive
Noun
  • LaGrone was directed not to possess weapons, alcohol or drugs and remain under the care of a person whose initials are noted in a document.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Flair, 77, has battled health and alcohol issues over the years.
    — Ryan Morik OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of alcohol
Adjective
  • Those who understand quickly move forward, while those who need more time, a different explanation or a less stimulating environment can easily fall behind.
    — Irma Davarashvili, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026
  • These adaptogenics also cost as much, if not more, than alcoholic spirits, such as Three Spirit, which incorporates ingredients such as guayusa (stimulating effects), damiana (aphrodisiac effects) and valerian (stress-relieving effects).
    — Esther Tseng, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of stimulating
Noun
  • China’s economy grew faster than expected in the third quarter thanks to the country’s powerful export machine, with domestic consumption still lagging and the authorities showing little interest in fiscal stimulus.
    — Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Visual stimuli produced more activity in the superficial layers of the superior colliculus.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of stimulus
Noun
  • Serving beer and wine, The Alley Lounge won’t have a liquor license.
    — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 23 Oct. 2026
  • There’s a scene with a liquor-store salesman who, likewise, isn’t the butt of the joke.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of liquor
Adjective
  • Really, the most energizing part of the movie is its surprise subject matter.
    — Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026
  • For example, lavender is said to have a calming effect, while citrus scents will seem more energizing and lively.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 17 June 2026
Definition of energizing
Noun
  • The original impetus for the film, to be honest, was to look at an incredible life story over a long German period.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Another impetus for the merger plans might be the sales struggles Tesla has been experiencing and the vast technological challenges from robotaxi competitors such as Waymo.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of impetus
Noun
  • The beverage lineup includes espresso drinks, lattes, cappuccinos, cold and hot coffee, and specialty seasonal drinks.
    — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2026
  • How to practice hygge at home Try curling up with a book, a soft blanket, cozy socks and a hot drink on a cold weekend.
    — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of drink

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stimulant
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Cite this Entry

“Stimulant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stimulant. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on stimulant

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about stimulant

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