stir 1 of 3

verb

ˈstər How to pronounce stir (audio)
Definition of stirnext
1
as in to swirl
to cause (as a liquid) to move about in a circle especially repeatedly the recipe says to stir the mixture carefully until it's properly blended

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2
as in to shift
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 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

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stir

2 of 3

noun (1)

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

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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

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stir

3 of 3

noun (2)

slang
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

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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
Verb
Even before its launch, the series stirred spirited discussion from enthusiasts of the book overs Kazan’s decision to center the story’s chilling antagonist Cathy Ames, played by Florence Pugh. — Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026 Wednesday’s emergency landing of a flydubai flight to Tel Aviv brought an unprecedented number of Israelis onto Saudi soil, stirring speculation that the crisis could create an opening for formal ties. — Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 1 Oct. 2026
Noun
Madonna knows how to cause a stir at the MTV Video Music Awards. — Sadie Kargman, Allure, 28 Sep. 2026 Or use it in place of croutons by seasoning it and stir-frying. — Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stir
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stir
  1. swirl
  2. shift
  3. provoke
  4. commotion
  5. shifting
  6. jail
  7. wash
  8. move
Verb
  • Rumors are swirling that Amazon has already tapped Jack Lowden, star of Slow Horses and husband to Ronan, to be the next 007.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 7 Oct. 2026
  • But despite the reassurances from Russia's government, the lack of any clear explanation for Shiplova's death has left rumors to swirl about what might have killed her, and what work might be underway at the Russian research center.
    — Tucker Reals, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of swirl
Verb
  • Later, Mars trines Neptune in your partnership house, shifting attention toward the people who genuinely inspire you.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Against a backdrop of economic uncertainty, consumer priorities have shifted.
    — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of shift
Verb
  • From this format emerges the tacit thesis that the Bicentennial cultural activities excelled at provoking critical, imaginative reflections on America’s past and future from artmakers and from ordinary citizens alike.
    — Anna Kornbluh, ARTnews.com, 7 Oct. 2026
  • She never has been diagnosed with an underlying seizure disorder, such as epilepsy, and a medical test to provoke a seizure in Linton after the crash came back with no abnormal brain activity, prosecutors said.
    — James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of provoke
Noun
  • There’s a lot of commotion swirling around you, and much of the drama may not even involve you directly.
    — Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Robin’s younger sister Riverley heard the commotion and ran for help.
    — Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of commotion
Noun
  • The main reason is that large, widening cracks can signal structural shifting or underlying damage that DIY caulk cannot address.
    — Bianca Lambert, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Most EVs have a single-speed transmission, which means there’s no shifting between multiple gears.
    — Lauren Swift, AJC.com, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of shifting
Noun
  • As an alternative to jail time, the federal prosecutors suggested a year of probation, 100 hours of community service and a $1,000 fine.
    — Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 7 Oct. 2026
  • With O’Hare at the helm, the county has redistricted, gone from meeting four times to once a month, privatized rent and utility assistance, reduced the number of polling locations, and seen a steady stream of jail inmate deaths continue.
    — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of jail
Verb
  • How many Japanese women wash their face and hands in the morning with coconut soap?
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Anyone who comes into contact with the bait’s liquid vaccine should thoroughly wash their hands using soap and water, then call the phone number listed on the bait or their local health department for further instructions and referral.
    — Eva Flowe October 7, Charlotte Observer, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of wash
Verb
  • Rural areas account for nearly 40% of sales of fast-moving consumer goods, according to data from consultancy Nielsen Consumer.
    — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Tinubu’s then-employers at Mobil Oil told investigators his treasurer role did not involve moving large sums and that the company never authorized him to hold its funds personally.
    — Adrian Elimian, semafor.com, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of move

Phrases Containing stir

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stipulations
stir
stirred
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Cite this Entry

“Stir.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stir. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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