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

Hydroxyurea, a drug that stimulates production of fetal hemoglobin, has been shown to reduce pain crises and other complications—but it isn’t a cure.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 9, 2026

Sculptra is particularly interesting for this theme because it stimulates collagen production, rather than simply filling wrinkles.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 5, 2026

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

From Science Daily ● Jul. 5, 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

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

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