titillation

Definition of titillationnext
as in thrill
a pleasurably intense stimulation of the feelings a cultural critic who argues that people have become too dependent upon the instant gratification and titillation that television and the Internet provide

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of titillation Kristi Noem, the head of the Department of Homeland Security, posed in front of a group of immigrants sent to a torture site in El Salvador, in a show of sadistic titillation. Ta-Nehisi Coates, Vanity Fair, 26 Jan. 2026 Turning our back on data would remove any outside accountability, leave policymakers driving a car without map or road, and lead the country to a place where the titillation of conspiracy and cherry-picked numbers become the only barometer of what’s real. Abby McCloskey, Twin Cities, 4 Jan. 2026 Historically, Minter said, such paintings were a sanctioned form of titillation. Dana Goodyear, New Yorker, 8 Dec. 2025 But the companies that were early to embrace mature AI also encountered legal and societal minefields and harmful abuse as a growing number of people have turned to the technology for companionship or titillation. Dave Smith, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2025 There were moments of incredible intimacy as well as moments of titillation and moments of danger. Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 8 Oct. 2025 That’s a sad thing for fashion, because fashion is about titillation and should be fun. James Fallon, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for titillation
Noun
  • From viral Aldi Finds to tried-and-true products shoppers love to tell their friends about, people love the thrill of discovering something new here.
    Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 24 June 2026
  • Or at least movies about soccer can, engaging with themes of race and gender, ego, hubris, economics, politics, fandom, the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat — as well as, of course, unadulterated athleticism.
    Michael O'Sullivan, Washington Post, 21 June 2026
Noun
  • Magomedov’s rare twister submission in 77 seconds and Chokheli’s 23-second leg-kick blitz were the standout grappling and striking clips.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
  • McTominay, whose iconic bicycle kick against Denmark was the defining goal of Scotland’s World Cup qualifying campaign, threatened multiple times past the 80th minute but couldn’t convert.
    Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 20 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Titillation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/titillation. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.

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