Synonyms for

Stir

Verb / stɜ: / Another word for stir — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

To move with a circular motion

Synonyms & similar words

invoke bringup shake callforth bustle arouse budge ado raise putforward shift flurry excite calldown agitate hustle evoke fuss shakeup touch conjure stimulate conjureup splash mix blend whisk beat churn agitate swirl rouse provoke incite arouse excite stimulate galvanize activate awaken ignite spark

Synonyms by register

Formal

agitate rouse provoke incite

Informal

mix swirl jiggle fiddle with

Literary

quicken animate excite

Antonyms

still calm quiet motionless unmoved static

Common collocations

  • stir the pot
  • stir things up
  • stir the soup
  • stir the mixture
  • stir the batter
  • stir the drink
  • stir the ashes

Word family

noun stir
verb stir
adjective stirring

Usage note

As a verb, 'stir' can mean to move something with a utensil, or to cause excitement or trouble. The phrase 'stir the pot' is a common idiom for causing trouble.

Example sentences

  1. I need to stir the cake batter until it's smooth.
  2. She used a spoon to stir the sugar into her coffee.
  3. He likes to stir up trouble with his siblings.
  4. The wind began to stir the leaves on the trees.
  5. I will stir the sauce constantly to prevent it from burning.

Quotes

  • 'I'm proud to be British, it's stirring stuff.' - Daniel Day-Lewis
  • 'The truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off.' - Gloria Steinem
  • 'There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.' - Maya Angelou

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