1
as in breathtaking
causing great emotional or mental stimulation
the message of brotherhood in Martin Luther King's stirring "I Have a Dream" speech still resonates today
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in emotional
having the power to affect the feelings or sympathies
a stirring rendition of the national anthem
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in buzzing
marked by much life, movement, or activity
spring has arrived, and the meadow is stirring with life
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in shifting
the act or an instance of changing position
I thought I detected a slight stirring of the leaves, and yet there wasn't a breath of wind
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
2
as in moving
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 provoking
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
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 stirring
The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 4 July 2025
But the trial also put a spotlight on something far more stirring and hopeful: the unalloyed courage of women speaking their truth out loud.
—Marco Della Cava, USA Today, 3 July 2025
Noah Kaufman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 June 2025
Inspired by the shifting seasons in Japan, this bright, botanical-forward cocktail is elegance in liquid form—no shaker or stirring required.
—Lanee Lee, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 5 Jan. 2025
Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally until almost soft, about 5 minutes.
—Ivy Odom, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stirring
Adjective
Tall ships graced New York Harbor, while a stirring ceremony got underway at Independence Hall in Philadelphia.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 4 July 2025
But the trial also put a spotlight on something far more stirring and hopeful: the unalloyed courage of women speaking their truth out loud.
—Marco Della Cava, USA Today, 3 July 2025
Noun
Medium-low heat, gentle stirring, stop before the eggs are fully set.
—Noah Kaufman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 June 2025
Inspired by the shifting seasons in Japan, this bright, botanical-forward cocktail is elegance in liquid form—no shaker or stirring required.
—Lanee Lee, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Verb
Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, then remove from heat.
—Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 5 Jan. 2025
Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally until almost soft, about 5 minutes.
—Ivy Odom, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stirring
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stirring
Adjective
-
Inspired by Malaysia’s rich cultural traditions, the hotel’s interiors from G.A Group (which has done the design for Atlantis The Royal and JW Marriott Hotel Nara) are minimalist and elegant, allowing the breathtaking views from the massive windows to take center stage.—
Spencer Whaley,
Forbes.com,
25 July 2025
-
The expansive entrance hall, like the lobby of a tropical resort, provides a breathtaking view of the sea beyond towering glass walls ahead.—
Demetrius Simms,
Robb Report,
25 July 2025
Adjective
-
Faces and words may fade, but their emotional residue frequently lingers.—
Rachel Vorona Cote,
The Atlantic,
15 July 2025
-
The show's second season saw some of Ford's most emotional work, as the therapist is forced to face his mortality due to his worsening condition.—
Mekishana Pierre,
EW.com,
15 July 2025
Verb
-
New Ways of Getting Around In 2025, unique transportation options are shifting the way travelers explore the world.—
Caroline Tell,
Forbes,
8 Jan. 2025
-
The combination of low humidity, dry fuels, and shifting winds has heightened the potential for spot fires and rapid expansion.—
Russell Lewis,
NPR,
8 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
This will deepen the divide between the global North and South on issues of race and cultural difference, straining the West’s diplomatic relations with countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America while provoking broader resentment toward Western countries seen as perpetuating racial hierarchies.—
Matias Spektor,
Foreign Affairs,
7 Jan. 2025
-
In 2008, the United States suggested that Georgia and Ukraine might eventually join the alliance but offered no concrete path to membership, thus provoking Russia without effectively deterring it.—
Michael Beckley,
Foreign Affairs,
7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Replace apprehension with an exciting conversation about what’s possible, and then invest in training and skills development to help your talent thrive in the new AI era.—
Ronald Alepian,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
-
Also receiving some exciting news this morning was Sharon Horgan, who earned an Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series nod for Bad Sisters, and Robby Hoffman for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for Hacks.—
Stephanie Wenger,
People.com,
15 July 2025
Adjective
-
And those are just a few concept highlights; there are plenty of others, including some impressive production vehicles.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
19 July 2025
-
Elliott often watches companies for many years before investing and has an extensive stable of impressive board candidates.—
Kenneth Squire,
CNBC,
19 July 2025
Adjective
-
Ever since then, it’s been sitting on the shore, beached like a shipwreck, just feet from a busy highway.—
John Carlisle,
Freep.com,
23 July 2025
-
Horton said summer is always the busiest, with the program planning several events each month to combat the rise in homicides and violent crimes as the weather warms.—
Keely Doll,
The Courier-Journal,
23 July 2025
Noun
-
Many modern employee benefits, including the 40-hour workweek, paid time off, sick leave and workplace safety, were made possible through the labor movement.—
Alexis Simmerman,
Austin American Statesman,
23 July 2025
-
Revelations about President Donald Trump's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, and demands that the Justice Department release further documentation about the Epstein case, have sent shockwaves through the MAGA movement.—
Newsweek Staff,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stirring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stirring. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share