exclamation

noun

ex·​cla·​ma·​tion ˌek-sklə-ˈmā-shən 

1

: a sharp or sudden utterance

2

: vehement expression of protest or complaint

Synonyms of exclamation

• cry
• shout
• interjection
• scream
• shriek
• ejaculation

Examples of exclamation in a Sentence

Her unexpected announcement caused a few exclamations of surprise.

the good news was greeted with a chorus of joyous exclamations

Recent Examples on the Web

Leon's order, which also included a number of exclamation marks, said the government must get congressional approval before continuing the project. —Arden Farhi, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2026

One of the headiest things about Adult Braces is how West’s prose style was pickled in the mid-2010s, so her use of caps lock and exclamation marks acted on me as a powerful Proustian madeleine. —Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2026

Well, Tre White put an exclamation-point dunk through the hoop with 13 seconds left. —Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2026

Similarly, his students do not end texts with a period, claiming that no punctuation or an exclamation mark shows enthusiasm. —Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 20 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing exclamation

• exclamation point
• put an exclamation point on

Rhymes for exclamation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

exclamation

noun

ex·​cla·​ma·​tion ˌeks-klə-ˈmā-shən 

1

: a sharp or sudden cry of strong feeling

2

: a strong expression of anger or complaint