stimulates

VERB

excite, provoke

Synonyms

STRONGEST

arouse encourage inspire prompt quicken spark spur trigger vitalize

STRONG

activate animate commove dynamize elate energize enliven exhilarate fan fire foment foster galvanize goad grab hook impel incite inflame innervate instigate jazz motivate move perk pique prod rouse send spirit support urge vivify whet

WEAK

build a fire under fire up get one going get one started innerve juice key up set up steam up stir up turn on wake up work up

Antonyms

STRONGEST

block discourage dissuade halt stop

STRONG

bore dampen delay depress deter dishearten dull let go neglect release tire

WEAK

calm

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Most forests remain nitrogen limited enough that additional nitrogen still stimulates biological activity.

From Science Daily • Jun. 2, 2026

Also known as Ziihera, Zanidatamab is an antibody treatment for patients with a higher-than-normal level of a protein called HER2, which stimulates tumours to grow.

From BBC • May 2, 2026

These sell for hundreds of pounds, if not thousands, with manufacturers claiming that use of red light stimulates collagen production and reduces fine lines.

From BBC • May 2, 2026

Fed governor Michael Barr has said that stronger productivity growth could push the neutral rate of interest—the theoretical rate that neither stimulates nor restricts growth—higher, not lower.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

When it comes to the lure of technology and the way it stimulates people, there’s one more comparison that researchers widely cite.

From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel