stimuli

[stim-yuh-lahy] / ˈstɪm yəˌlaɪ /

NOUN

provocation

Synonyms

STRONGEST

catalyst encouragement fillip impetus incentive motivation stimulant stimulation

STRONG

bang boost cause charge fireworks flash goad impulse incitation incitement inducement instigation invitation kick motive propellant push spur sting turn-on urging

WEAK

eye-opener piquing shot in the arm

Antonyms

STRONGEST

block discouragement hindrance

STRONG

deterrent

WEAK

tranquilizer

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.

By encoding these digital patterns within the hydrogel, the researchers can program how the smart skin reacts to different stimuli.

From Science Daily • Feb. 6, 2026

"A similar mechanism could underlie individual differences in responses to other rewarding stimuli," says author and neuroscientist Josep Marco-Pallarés of the University of Barcelona.

From Science Daily • Jan. 12, 2026

But I love the answer that they gave Zosia to give: You can’t possibly take in all of the feelings and the stimuli that the whole world is having right now.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 24, 2025

She had tried traditional therapy, as well as interventions like eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy, where a patient is asked to recall traumatic events while experiencing auditory, visual, or tactile stimuli.

From Slate • Dec. 18, 2025

“It’ll only take a second. And I concentrate best when I block out external stimuli, so I wouldn’t waste any time if I were you.”

From "Anthem of a Reluctant Prophet" by Joanne Proulx