1
2
as in to shift
to change one's position
the cat stirred, then opened its eyes and slowly got to its feet
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to provoke
to rouse to strong feeling or action
news coverage of the fire stirred many to send donations to a fund for the families who had lost their homes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in commotion
a state of noisy, confused activity
the plane's first jolt caused a stir among the passengers, and by the third one they were in a panic
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in shifting
the act or an instance of changing position
we were warned that the slightest stir would scare the mother bird so we hardly dared to breathe
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in jail
a place of confinement for persons held in lawful custody
the mule had just got out of stir and was being followed by the feds, who had their sights set on the kingpin of the operation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of stir
Laura Poppick
july 22, Literary Hub, 22 July 2025
Dry in the oven at 220°F for 30 minutes, stirring once halfway through to help even drying.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 July 2025
Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
The Dutch king's handshake with Trump came on the same day that the queen caused a stir by appearing to mock the U.S. president.
—Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for stir
Verb
Beneath the surface of the frozen ocean, dark and briny currents would have stirred continuously from geothermal heat billowing out of cracks in the seafloor.
—Laura Poppick
july 22, Literary Hub, 22 July 2025
Dry in the oven at 220°F for 30 minutes, stirring once halfway through to help even drying.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 July 2025
Noun
The song's official music video caused quite a stir on Lower Broadway being recorded a month ago.
—Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
The Dutch king's handshake with Trump came on the same day that the queen caused a stir by appearing to mock the U.S. president.
—Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for stir
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stir
Verb
-
In Tennessee, jam cake batter is swirled with blackberry jam.—
Anne Byrn,
Southern Living,
26 July 2025
-
Storylines have swirled regarding Epstein’s ties to Trump as the Wall Street Journal published an article outlining a 2003 birthday letter sent to the businessman in 2003.—
Ashleigh Fields,
The Hill,
25 July 2025
Verb
-
Since the 2000s, Fox's focus has shifted from acting to working tirelessly toward a cure for Parkinson’s after being diagnosed with the disease in 1991 at age 29.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
People.com,
26 July 2025
-
But the international mood is shifting away from the US and Israeli position as famine-like conditions grip Gaza.—
Jeronimo Gonzalez,
semafor.com,
25 July 2025
Verb
-
Under the supervision of experts, Paul provokes sharks to attack him in multiple scenarios.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
20 July 2025
-
While not classified among the FDA's nine major allergens, sulfites can trigger severe reactions in sensitive individuals and may provoke asthma attacks in up to 10 percent of people with asthma.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 July 2025
Verb
-
The water piped into homes is often used for washing clothes, bathing and watering gardens.—
Jake Goodrick
July 25,
Sacbee.com,
25 July 2025
-
Regular gravel grinding means regularly washing your bike and lubricating the chain.—
Eric Bangeman,
ArsTechnica,
25 July 2025
Verb
-
If practice is canceled or moved indoors due to the weather, paid ticket days will be provided with a makeup date, not a refund.—
Joseph Hernandez,
Kansas City Star,
20 July 2025
-
These days, the model keeps a low profile and has completely moved away from the limelight.—
Catherine Santino,
People.com,
20 July 2025
Verb
-
During his latter stint on the council, Spelman called on Austin police to reevaluate how officers spent their time and encouraged the city to consider alternative programs to reduce crime.—
Emiliano Tahui Gómez,
Austin American Statesman,
25 July 2025
-
Community members are encouraged to see the stadium before the start of the 2025 football season.—
Katie Nixon,
The Tennessean,
25 July 2025
Verb
-
Just add hot water and steamed milk and whisk for a velvety taste.—
Angelina Villa-Clarke,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
-
The Makeover: In a medium bowl whisk together 1 Tbsp.—
Katie Sullivan Morford,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 July 2025
Verb
-
The bill follows advocacy efforts by TKO, the parent company of UFC and WWE, to stimulate interest in Congress for creating more and better professional opportunities for boxers in the U.S.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
23 July 2025
-
But policymakers have so far avoided the mass cash handouts that the U.S. and Hong Kong gave residents to stimulate spending after the pandemic.—
Evelyn Cheng,
CNBC,
23 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stir.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stir. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share