stir
18 synonyms and 4 antonyms for stir, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To mix a liquid or substance by moving an object like a spoon through it.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To mix a liquid or substance by moving an object like a spoon through it.
“Stir the sugar into your tea until it dissolves.”
2. verb
To provoke a strong emotion or reaction in someone.
“The old photographs stirred happy memories of our childhood.”
Opposites
How to use stir
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
stir the pot
cause a stir
stir to action
stir gently
Etymology
From Old English styrian, "to move, agitate, disturb" — related to German stören, "to disturb."
Full origin of stir →Frequently asked questions
What does “stir” mean?
The word “stir” means to mix a liquid or substance by moving an object like a spoon through it. In plain terms, mixing something with a circular motion, or a small movement/reaction — including a stirring of public excitement.
How do you pronounce “stir”?
“Stir” is pronounced stur (/stɝ/ in IPA).
How do you use “stir” in a sentence?
Here is “stir” used in a sentence: “She stirred the soup so it wouldn't stick to the pan.”
What part of speech is “stir”?
Depending on how it is used, “stir” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “stir” come from?
The word “stir” comes from Old English. From Old English styrian, "to move, agitate, disturb" — related to German stören, "to disturb.".
Is “stir” a common word?
“Stir” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “stir” have?
“Stir” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to mix a liquid or substance by moving an object like a spoon through it.
What is the difference between 'stir' and 'mix'?
To stir is to move a spoon or similar object round through a liquid or loose substance, usually to blend it or keep it moving. To mix is the broader act of combining two or more things into one, which may involve stirring, beating, shaking, or folding. All stirring is a form of mixing, but not all mixing is done by stirring.
When is 'stir' used to describe emotions?
'Stir' is used with emotions when something awakens or provokes a strong feeling, as in 'the film stirred deep memories.' In this sense it suggests bringing feelings to life rather than leaving them dormant. It is common in descriptive or literary writing.
