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.

Experiments using visual stimuli could help identify which brain regions are required for conscious perception.

From Science Daily • Feb. 4, 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

As a movie lover who’s always hunting for new talent, new ideas and new stimuli, I used to view that as creative inertia.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 5, 2025

When they find either thing, they stop to enjoy the visual stimuli.

From "Counting by 7s" by Holly Goldberg Sloan