provoke directs attention to the response called forth.
my stories usually provoke laughter
excite implies a stirring up or moving profoundly.
news that excited anger and frustration
stimulate suggests a rousing out of lethargy, quiescence, or indifference.
stimulating conversation
pique suggests stimulating by mild irritation or challenge.
that remark piqued my interest
quicken implies beneficially stimulating and making active or lively.
the high salary quickened her desire to have the job
Example Sentences
A raise in employee wages might stimulate production. The economy was not stimulated by the tax cuts. a hormone that stimulates the growth of muscle tissue Their discussion stimulated him to research the subject more. He was stimulated by their discussion.
Recent Examples on the WebStefanowski responded that his plan would stimulate job growth and the state’s economy.Hartford Courant, 28 July 2022 One or more firebushes planted in a container in full sun on your patio will stimulate competition between the individuals. Calvin Finch, San Antonio Express-News, 27 May 2022 Business interests supported the bill, reckoning that the new paper would stimulate commerce. Roger Lowenstein, WSJ, 4 Mar. 2022 Experts believe their entry will stimulate the sector and encourage others to look at clean energy. Niharika Sharma, Quartz, 26 Dec. 2021 Isaacson hopes the omicron variant’s arrival in the Chicago area will stimulate another wave of COVID-19 booster shots for residents. Megan Jones, chicagotribune.com, 9 Dec. 2021 The La Jolla resort was especially appealing, said Pebblebrook Chief Financial Officer Ray Martz, given its location near the beach and a growing life science office market nearby that should stimulate bookings for business meetings.San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Dec. 2021 Harris said investing in pregnant women and mothers would stimulate the economy.Los Angeles Times, 7 Dec. 2021 In an effort to combat the impending wave, federal officials authorized a COVID-19 vaccine booster comprised of both the original vaccine and a new one tweaked to stimulate immunity to the two dominant omicron subvariants.oregonlive, 31 Aug. 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Latin stimulatus, past participle of stimulare, from stimulus goad; perhaps akin to Latin stilus stem, stylus — more at style