exaltation

noun

ex·​al·​ta·​tion ˌeg-ˌzȯl-ˈtā-shən 

ˌek-ˌsȯl-

1

: an act of exalting : the state of being exalted

2

: an excessively intensified sense of well-being, power, or importance

3

: an increase in degree or intensity

exaltation of virulence of a virus

Examples of exaltation in a Sentence

feelings of joy and exaltation

Recent Examples on the Web

But like much gospel, the Staple Singers’ music hinges on a buoyant joyfulness that invites the listener to share in their exaltation. —Santi Elijah Holley, New York Times, 22 July 2025

The latter song, like many Vandross classics, is jubilant, and its exaltations of liberation and hope take on special meaning when sung by Black characters, speaking to the long struggle for freedom. —Kayla Randall, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 June 2025

The film is a rarefied exaltation of bullfighting as an inherently but latently cinematic domain that’s been waiting for its closeup—and which reveals its essence only by way of the special powers of the cinema. —Richard Brody, New Yorker, 24 June 2025

Frasca co-founder Bobby Stuckey dropped his hands in exaltation upon climbing the stage to accept the award, flanked to his right by his business partners. —Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 17 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for exaltation

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

Kids Definition

exaltation

noun

ex·​al·​ta·​tion ˌeg-ˌzȯl-ˈtā-shən 

1

: the act of exalting : the state of being exalted

2

: a greatly heightened sense of personal well-being, power, or importance

Medical Definition

exaltation

noun

ex·​al·​ta·​tion ˌeg-ˌzȯl-ˈtā-shən  ˌek-ˌsȯl- 

1

a

: marked or excessive intensification of a mental state or of the activity of a bodily part or function

b

: an abnormal sense of personal well-being, power, or importance : a delusional euphoria

2

: an increase in degree or intensity

exaltation of virulence of a virus