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.
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Recent Examples of stir
Daegan Miller
june 5, Literary Hub, 5 June 2025
Speculation was stirred that the women had had a falling out after Remini did not attend Lopez’s wedding to Affleck in 2022.
—Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 5 June 2025
Martha Ross, Mercury News, 13 May 2025
O’Donnell—who just opened a second Mother location at Track 15, Providence’s first-ever food hall—also caused a stir with a Hawaiian-ish pie featuring pineapple slivers, ’nduja, roasted peppers, caciocavallo, and hot honey.
—Madison Trapkin, Saveur, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for stir
Verb
That piece, and the book that would follow, has become a staple of environmental humanities classes for decades and still stirs vigorous classroom debate today.
—Daegan Miller
june 5, Literary Hub, 5 June 2025
Speculation was stirred that the women had had a falling out after Remini did not attend Lopez’s wedding to Affleck in 2022.
—Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 5 June 2025
Noun
Berry created a stir by donning a mermaid-style gown by designer LaQuan Smith that was mostly see-through.
—Martha Ross, Mercury News, 13 May 2025
O’Donnell—who just opened a second Mother location at Track 15, Providence’s first-ever food hall—also caused a stir with a Hawaiian-ish pie featuring pineapple slivers, ’nduja, roasted peppers, caciocavallo, and hot honey.
—Madison Trapkin, Saveur, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for stir
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stir
Verb
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However, most small business owners—even those without wildness swirling around them—eventually hit this wall.—
Renae Gregoire,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
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Read more: Insider Reveals Lakers Could Move Key Piece in Offseason Trade While the rumors have been swirling, trading Reaves would be a very difficult decision.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 May 2025
Verb
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That leadership change followed GOP gains through 2024’s Senate Bill 382, which shifted appointment powers from Gov. Josh Stein (D-NC) to Republican State Auditor Dave Boliek.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
28 May 2025
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At Desa Potato Head, included breakfast buffets shifted to à la carte menus.—
Jen Rose Smith,
AFAR Media,
27 May 2025
Verb
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Negotiating with someone who is trying to provoke you is their tactic.—
John Baldoni,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2025
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Daily life in the villa is punctuated by games and challenges, designed to reveal secrets, provoke drama and test the strength of relationships.—
Samantha Stutsman,
People.com,
29 May 2025
Verb
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The linen cotton blend isn’t see-through and is safe to machine wash on a gentle cycle and even tumble dry on low afterward.—
Jacquelyn Smith,
Parents,
27 May 2025
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The brand recommends washing the mat in cold water on the gentle cycle, and tumble drying it on a low speed or laying it flat to air dry.—
Toni Sutton,
People.com,
25 May 2025
Verb
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Last month, the department moved ahead with negotiated rulemaking, a lengthy process that would result in changes to federal regulations.—
Adam S. Minsky,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
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The couple had been planning to move back to Montreal before the October 2024 incident.—
Mathew Miranda,
Sacbee.com,
2 June 2025
Verb
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After Trump’s call with Xi, the US president said he was encouraged that ongoing trade tensions could soon be resolved.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
6 June 2025
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Musk, who spent almost $300 million on last year’s election, had also encouraged the primarying of lawmakers who voted for it.—
Christian Datoc,
The Washington Examiner,
6 June 2025
Verb
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While grill is preheating, whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, orange juice, vinegar, salt, onion powder, and black pepper in a large bowl.—
Josh Miller,
Southern Living,
5 June 2025
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Meanwhile in a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, Parmesan, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. 4.—
Cathy Thomas,
Mercury News,
3 June 2025
Verb
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Just like weight-bearing exercises, the vibrations stimulate osteocytes, which send signals to the two other types of bone cells–osteoblasts and osteoclasts–to create new bone matter and recycle the old.—
Jia H. Jung,
Mercury News,
4 June 2025
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The electrode stimulates the nerve, opening the airway by moving the tongue forward.1 Hypoglossal nerve stimulation surgery can effectively resolve snoring for some.—
Sukaina Hasnie,
Verywell Health,
4 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stir.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stir. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.
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