stimulant

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'stimulant' is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun meaning something which stimulates, invigorates, or increases activity. Example sentence: Caffeine is a popular stimulant that can help improve mental alertness.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Stimulant, any drug that excites any bodily function, but more specifically those that stimulate the brain and central nervous system.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He has analysed it and proved its authenticity and guessed at its likely effects if taken: a stimulant.

The Guardian

Perhaps that's been a strange kind of stimulant too.

The Guardian - Music

Some worry that the fast-tracking of a new mortgage-boosting policy—Help to Buy could unwittingly change all this.Help to Buy is an unashamed housing-market stimulant.

The Economist

This week an anti-narcotics force seized over 6m stimulant pills from an armed gang on the border with Myanmar.

The Economist

But they have one powerful stimulant to keep them going: the outsized cult of hero worship surrounding their pot-bellied ruler, Kim Jong Il.That is why outsiders will strain next week for a glimpse into the hermit fief to see if Mr Kim uses the Korean Workers Partyy's first gathering in 30 years to designate his third son, Kim Jong Un, as his heir.

The Economist

Brillat-Savarin, a 19th-century gourmet, also recommended it as a stimulant.

The Economist

And the Yemeni habit of chewing a leaf called qat, a mild stimulant not conducive to clear thinking or dynamism, is almost as pervasive as ever.In this section A beatable president The man who screwed an entire country Who's next?

The Economist

Despite a dependency on qat, a mild stimulant imported from Ethiopia, which accounts for a third of imports, or $160m a year, it has a maturing government and four successful elections behind it.

The Economist

Methamphetamine meth, speed, ice, glass, crank, poor man's cocaine is a powerful stimulant that affects the body in much the same way as cocaine.

The Economist

Apart from being a stimulant, theobromine is also a vasodilator (widener of blood vessels) and a diuretic.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing physiological effects, specify the type of "stimulant" (e.g., central nervous system stimulant, cardiac stimulant) for clarity.

Common error

Avoid assuming all "stimulants" have the same effects. Different stimulants have different mechanisms of action and varying impacts on the body.

Linguistic Context

The word "stimulant" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a substance or thing that increases physiological or nervous activity. As Ludwig highlights, it also serves as an adjective to describe something having a stimulating effect.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "stimulant" is a versatile term primarily used as a noun to denote something that increases activity, whether physiological or general. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and acceptability in written English. As illustrated by Ludwig's numerous examples, this term frequently appears in news articles, encyclopedia entries, and scientific literature. While "stimulant" is typically neutral, specifying the stimulant type and effect is important to avoid overgeneralizations. Related terms such as "energizer" and "activator" can provide nuanced alternatives depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

activator

Directly refers to causing something to become active.

excitant

Emphasizes the quality of causing excitement or arousal.

energizer

Focuses on the aspect of providing energy.

invigorator

Highlights the quality of making someone feel stronger or more active.

incentive

Emphasizes the motivational aspect of causing action.

catalyst

Implies speeding up a process or reaction.

boost

Suggests a temporary increase or improvement.

impetus

Indicates the initial force or motivation behind something.

goad

Suggests urging or provoking someone into action.

spark

Highlights the element of initiating something new or energetic.

FAQs

How is the word "stimulant" used in a sentence?

The word "stimulant" can be used to describe a substance that increases activity in the body or promotes interest and enthusiasm. For example, "Caffeine is a common stimulant found in coffee and tea."

What's a good substitute for the word "stimulant"?

Depending on the context, you could use "energizer", "activator", or "incentive" as alternatives to "stimulant".

What are some common examples of stimulants?

Common examples of "stimulants" include caffeine, nicotine, amphetamines, and cocaine. These substances affect the central nervous system, increasing alertness and energy.

Is it correct to refer to alcohol as a "stimulant"?

Although alcohol might initially appear to have stimulating effects, it is actually a depressant. The perception of stimulation arises from the suppression of inhibitory brain functions.