exalt

verb

ex·​alt ig-ˈzȯlt 

exalted; exalting; exalts

transitive verb

1

: to raise in rank, power, or character

2

: to elevate by praise or in estimation : glorify

3

obsolete : elate

4

: to raise high : elevate

5

: to enhance the activity of : intensify

rousing and exalting the imagination

—George Eliot

intransitive verb

: to induce exaltation

exalter noun

Synonyms

• aggrandize
• canonize
• deify
• dignify
• elevate
• ennoble
• enshrine
• ensky
• enthrone
• glorify
• magnify

Examples of exalt in a Sentence

His behavior has exalted the power and prestige of his office.

The essay exalts the simple beauty of the country.

We exalt thee, O Lord.

He shamelessly exalts his own role in the peace process.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Vatican has for centuries sought to exalt faith through art, building monuments to biblical figures and church leaders. —Alan Yuhas, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2025

Students and staff at Florida State University came together in a peaceful vigil and serene outdoor service on Holy Saturday to exalt their strong sense of community after a shooting sent shockwaves across the campus of nearly 45,000 students. —Kati Weis, CBS News, 20 Apr. 2025

Isley was among Sol’s Hollywood Bowl crowd, exalting with the masses. —Mankaprr Conteh, Rolling Stone, 18 Apr. 2025

Venus exalts in your sign and the love planet is finally stationing direct — think of this like a stellar refresh and personal revamp. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 12 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin exaltare, from ex- + altus high — more at old

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for exalt

• asphalt
• assault
• basalt
• cobalt
• default
• gestalt
• alt
• fault
• gault
• halt
• malt
• sault

Kids Definition

exalt

verb

ex·​alt ig-ˈzȯlt 

1

: to raise in rank, power, or character

2

: to praise highly : glorify

exalter noun

Medical Definition

exalt

transitive verb

ex·​alt ig-ˈzȯlt 

: to cause (virulence) to increase

virulence exalted by addition of mucin to a bacterial culture

also : to increase the virulence of

exalt a virus by repeated rapid passage through susceptible hosts