Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for stimulus. Search instead for stimulu.
Definitions

stimulus

[stim-yuh-luhs] / ˈstɪm yə ləs /
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 turnon 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.

What bankers appear to be calling for is not stimulus or austerity but balance.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

Layered on top of this is what bank executives see and feel directly: real stimulus spending and investment vis-à-vis artificial intelligence and other new technology solutions.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

With pandemic-era stimulus initiatives long forgotten, home prices plateauing, and investor portfolios pointing down, consumer sentiment has little reason to improve.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

The Fed’s bond-buying program is for reserve management, ensuring banks have adequate reserves for daily operations, not economic stimulus.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

In Mesoamerica, timekeeping provided the stimulus that accounting gave to the Middle East.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann