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.

See Examples For:

stimulates

As growth hormone gradually builds up during sleep, it stimulates the locus coeruleus and encourages wakefulness.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 5, 2026

Many contain large amounts of caffeine, which stimulates the central nervous system and makes you feel more awake.

From BBC ● Jun. 22, 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

This ultimately stimulates the release of more glutamate, which helps send excitatory signals between brain cells.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 17, 2026

This substance evidently stimulates the normal wording behavior in the hive.

From "The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd