Synonyms of excite

excite

verb

ik-ˈsīt 

1

as in to thrill

to cause a pleasurable stimulation of the feelings

for some reason the first snowfall of the season never fails to excite us

Synonyms & Similar Words

• thrill
• electrify
• delight
• inspire
• titillate
• galvanize
• arouse
• intoxicate
• intrigue
• exhilarate
• stimulate
• provoke
• enchant
• turn on
• incite
• captivate
• pump up
• charge
• interest
• mesmerize
• enthrall
• hypnotize
• tantalize
• bewitch
• rivet
• charm
• spellbind

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• bore
• weary
• pall
• discourage
• tire
• dishearten
• demoralize
• jade
• dispirit
• deject

2

as in to provoke

to rouse to strong feeling or action

televised pictures of the victims of the famine that would excite any viewer to pity

Synonyms & Similar Words

• provoke
• encourage
• stimulate
• arouse
• inspire
• stir
• motivate
• incite
• spark
• induce
• pique
• instigate
• move
• motive
• rev (up)
• fire (up)
• impassion
• trigger
• ignite
• drive
• energize
• inflame
• galvanize
• activate
• anger
• bother
• enrage
• quicken
• vitalize
• animate
• kindle
• build a fire under
• foment
• fan
• set off
• irritate
• annoy
• upset
• exasperate
• key (up)
• tease
• aggravate
• taunt
• abet
• ferment
• vex
• whip (up)
• raise
• jeer
• pump up
• get
• madden
• gall

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• calm
• soothe
• subdue
• appease
• placate
• pacify
• tranquilize
• mollify

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb excite contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of excite are pique, provoke, quicken, and stimulate. While all these words mean "to arouse as if by pricking," excite implies a stirring up or moving profoundly.

news that excited anger and frustration

When might pique be a better fit than excite?

Although the words pique and excite have much in common, pique suggests stimulating by mild irritation or challenge.

that remark piqued my interest

Where would provoke be a reasonable alternative to excite?

The meanings of provoke and excite largely overlap; however, provoke directs attention to the response called forth.

my stories usually provoke laughter

In what contexts can quicken take the place of excite?

The synonyms quicken and excite are sometimes interchangeable, but quicken implies beneficially stimulating and making active or lively.

the high salary quickened her desire to have the job

When is stimulate a more appropriate choice than excite?

The words stimulate and excite are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, stimulate suggests a rousing out of lethargy, quiescence, or indifference.

stimulating conversation

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of excite

But the tech juggernaut’s rebound can be taken as a sign that the iPhone is still enough to excite consumers and Wall Street, even as the company falls behind in the AI race. —Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 28 Oct. 2025

Etihad Airways’ new nonstop flight between Charlotte and Abu Dhabi is coming sooner than expected for passengers excited about going between the Queen City and the popular Middle Eastern city. —Chase Jordan october 27, Charlotte Observer, 27 Oct. 2025

Unlike major studios, however, Netflix sees multiplexes not as a financial strategy but rather a marketing stunt to excite the fandoms of its major properties, with the goal of driving interest back to the platform. —Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 27 Oct. 2025

Although excited about the project, both understand the responsibility. —Kansas City Star, 27 Oct. 2025