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2
as in shifts
to change one's position
the cat stirred, then opened its eyes and slowly got to its feet
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3
as in provokes
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
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1
as in commotions
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
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2
as in moves
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
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as in jails
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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stirs
Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Jan. 2026
Not an easy topic, and certainly one that stirs emotion today.
—Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 1 Jan. 2026
In a cave that hid freedom seekers along the Underground Railroad, their uncle shares a story of a creature that stirs at night.
—Elaina Patton, IndieWire, 15 Dec. 2025
Getting a rise out of people Internet platforms use algorithms designed to keep people engaged, and that typically means promoting content that stirs emotions.
—Lisa Fazio, The Conversation, 11 Dec. 2025
Their music electrifies the youths and stirs the wrath of traditionalists, igniting a confrontation between modernity and superstition.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 5 Dec. 2025
That sense of discovery is what Beyond passionately stirs in you while playing.
—PC Magazine, 2 Dec. 2025
Shooting stirs memories of 1989 school shooting Bishop Dwight Williams, 60 of New Genesis Outreach Ministries said he’s lived in Stockton his entire life.
—Kathleen Quinn, Sacbee.com, 30 Nov. 2025
As soon as the rice comes to a simmer, give it a few stirs to ensure the rice doesn’t stick to the bottom, then reduce heat to the lowest setting.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Nov. 2025
Verb
January stirs something brave inside you, urging you to release the tired logic that kept you safe but stagnant.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for stirs
Verb
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To load the product onto the brush, Barnes swirls the tool into the pan twice and taps it twice to prevent fallout.—
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The lights are dim and jazzy music swirls the intimate crowd.—
Verb
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After the midterm elections are over, the focus gradually shifts to the next presidential election, and the incumbent president increasingly limps like a lame duck.—
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By the weekend, the Libra Moon shifts attention to your money and values sector, encouraging balance around spending, earning, and self-worth.—
Verb
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The result is a film that provokes thought more than feeling, one that invites discussion, while denying audiences the emotional dimension that might have driven home its relevance.—
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But when her latest husband, discord spirit Raksh, provokes the council’s wrath, Amina must clean up his blunder, contend with Marjana’s demands for the truth…and figure out who on her crew is plotting a mutiny.—
Verb
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Another agreed, comparing them to their Spanx AirEssentials set, but saying this one washes better.—
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To start with a wedding, then wait ’til later to figure out the details of who washes the dishes and whether the toilet seat stays down, sounds backwards but is certainly better than hostage-taking and war without an achievable end.—
Verb
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One slightly wrong rate in a budget, procurement forecast, or loan estimate easily moves millions of dollars in the wrong direction.—
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The Honda moves forward, turning to the right.—
Verb
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Pruning perennials at the right time encourages plants to leaf out, grow bushier, develop sturdier stems, and potentially produce more flowers.—
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Loudermilk says this is just one of the many ways Lions Clubs work to support their communities and encourages anyone interested in joining to reach out.—
Verb
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Kicking off the Year With Self-Care These days, her morning ritual also includes Premier Protein shakes.—
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Berto is seen walking back to his truck, while the Tahoe driver walks toward the front end of the Tahoe, looks down at the bumper and shakes his head before turning to point the firearm at Berto, the affidavit said.—
Verb
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The viral beauty gadget stimulates collagen, boosts circulation, and leaves you with plump, youthful results.—
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Continuing to seek out mental and social challenges stimulates brain metabolism, neuroplasticity and vascular health, according to Efrati, who also serves as chair of the medical advisory board at Aviv Clinics, which operates in Florida and Tel Aviv.—
Cite this Entry
“Stirs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stirs. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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