excite

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

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 excite Whether this excites or disappoints you, DeepSeek is not conscious. PC Magazine, 18 June 2025 The pink light throughout the image represents the gas excited by the radiation of newborn stars. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 18 June 2025 Several bought in immediately, excited for the opportunity to placate their own smartphone-eager kids. Rheana Murray, The Atlantic, 17 June 2025 Earlier this month, wildlife enthusiasts were excited over a pair of young bald eagles that flew out of their nest for the first time, hovering high above Big Bear Lake. Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for excite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for excite
Verb
  • Before scooting away from our Zoom to prepare for her performance on Wednesday, Scherzinger takes a moment to offer a fond salute to Lloyd and the cast of Evita that’s just officially opened at the London Palladium to mostly, but not all, thrilling raves at the London Palladium.
    Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 4 July 2025
  • Attendees can expect a set list that weaves together her acclaimed earlier hits with thrilling new material.
    Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Verb
  • Run adversarial simulations, employ red teams, and commission third-party evaluations that deliberately try to provoke harmful behaviors.
    Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
  • Don't run away or climb a tree, which may provoke a chase.
    Kaycee Sloan, The Enquirer, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • On June 18, New York announced a $53 million expansion to its voucher program for electrifying last-mile truck fleets, offering vouchers from $340,000 to $425,000 for each truck, depending on the model.
    Rambo Talabong, ArsTechnica, 8 July 2025
  • Co-founded by former Formula 1 engineer Rodi Basso and motorsport entrepreneur Alejandro Agag, the sport was built with an aim to electrify the marine industry.
    Kanzah Maktoum, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • The return of blue-book exams might disadvantage students who were encouraged to master typing at a young age.
    Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
  • Individuals with minimal previous experience but a passion to work for positive change are encouraged to apply.
    Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Thus far, the administration has managed to fend off initial court challenges, maintain arrests at a steady clip, and generate images of a ruthless crackdown in a liberal bastion that delight the president’s supporters.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2025
  • Jackson had been delighted by the number of young people who had turned out, a perennial goal for august cultural institutions.
    Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • Doing so could stimulate economic growth, and would be warmly welcomed by the White House and investors.
    Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
  • Examples include flashing notifications that make your phone jump and squeak, colorful rewards when others like your posts, and algorithms that push out the most emotional content to stimulate your most base emotions of anger, shame or glee.
    Lisa Schirch, The Conversation, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • America is not used to having a local guy as the driving force of an institution with four times as much history and an even greater capacity to inspire fear and awe.
    Belinda Luscombe, Time, 1 July 2025
  • Yes, a couple of Czech producers came up with an idea influenced by or inspired by the Wim Wenders documentary about 18 months ago.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Like the rakish characters in La Piscine, those in Last Summer are caught in a folie à plusieurs, where the idyllic, island setting seems to arouse their worst impulses.
    Erik Morse, Vogue, 26 June 2025
  • Cassie admitted ecstasy made her feel euphoric and aroused, while ketamine would make her dissociative.
    Tracy Wright , Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Excite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/excite. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

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