stimulus

noun

ˈstim-yə-ləs How to pronounce stimulus (audio)
Definition of stimulusnext
as in incentive
something that arouses action or activity seeing a Broadway play for the first time was the stimulus for her career in the theater

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 stimulus Researchers have studied how certain facial and auricular stimuli interact with parasympathetic activity. — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026 Researchers have also explored how certain facial and auricular stimuli may interact with parasympathetic activity. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026 Consequently, the resulting economic stimulus, inflationary pressure, and intense competition for capital could propel the 10 year US Treasury yield toward a high of 6% before next January. — CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026 During that time, the release of what was then-unprecedented stimulus swung the downstream situation from one of caution around order placement to one of concern about insufficient inventory. — Sj Guest Editorial, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stimulus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stimulus
  1. incentive
  2. impetus
  3. encouragement
  4. motivation
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
  • 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
  • But Smith also had encouragement for Hurts, whom Lynn and the Eagles said should be expected to make a full recovery with treatment from blood thinners that precludes contact activities for the next few months.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Kid Rock's support eventually extended beyond words of encouragement.
    — Ashley Hume , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of encouragement
Noun
  • In many instances, a nature lead might find that their underlying motivation is at odds with their employer’s, causing friction and making their — suddenly outsized — remit difficult to fulfil.
    — Bella Webb, Vogue, 22 Oct. 2026
  • But Spoelstra insisted that wasn’t a source of motivation to begin this season against Ball’s new team.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of motivation

Browse Nearby Words

stimuli
stimulus
sting
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Cite this Entry

“Stimulus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stimulus. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on stimulus

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about stimulus

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