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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Scientists are beginning to treat gravity almost like a drug, varying its strength, duration, and frequency on the human body to learn what dose might keep astronauts healthy and whether the same stimulus could help rehabilitate patients on Earth. — Stefanie Waldek, Space.com, 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 Its electrical output can be measured using laboratory equipment, demonstrating that the device responds to subtle mechanical stimuli. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 29 Sep. 2026 Yet, as with many of Swift’s exes, Hiddleston will forever and always provide some sort of lyrical stimulus. — Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stimulus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stimulus
  1. incentive
  2. impetus
  3. encouragement
  4. motivation
Noun
  • Companies have plenty of incentives to make that advertising palatable to consumers, but Ireland believes ads will play a role one way or another.
    — Allison Johnson, The Verge, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The city of Mission ultimately pulled the plug on its tax incentives and threw out the redevelopment agreement.
    — Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of incentive
Noun
  • So, if your travels find you in Milan before 2027 kicks off, consider this your impetus to go ahead and book that room.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026
  • This process seems to have an inexorable direction and impetus.
    — Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of impetus
Noun
  • Its restrictions cover suicide and self-harm promotion, eating disorder encouragement, body shaming, non-consensual intimate imagery, harassment, and animal cruelty.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The comments are all universally positive and supportive, with followers offering prayers and words of encouragement , including former athletes such as Troy Aikman, Kenny Lofton and Teemu Selane.
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of encouragement
Noun
  • In her ultra-popular cycling classes, Griffith offers an hour of relief and release, motivation and inspiration.
    — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The signatures of these AI leaders might not reveal much about their intentions or their motivations.
    — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 8 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 14 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on stimulus

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about stimulus

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