exalt

1 of 2

verb

ex·​alt ig-ˈzȯlt 

exalted; exalting; exalts

transitive verb

1

: to raise in rank, power, or character

2

: to elevate by praise or in estimation : glorify

3

obsolete : elate

4

: to raise high : elevate

5

: to enhance the activity of : intensify

… rousing and exalting her imagination …

—George Eliot

intransitive verb

: to induce exaltation

exalter noun

exalter

2 of 2

noun

ex·​alt·​er

igˈzȯltə(r), 

eg-

plural -s

: one that exalts

Synonyms of exalt

Verb

• elevate
• promote

Examples of exalt in a Sentence

Verb

His behavior has exalted the power and prestige of his office.

The essay exalts the simple beauty of the country.

We exalt thee, O Lord.

He shamelessly exalts his own role in the peace process.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The women exalted in these spaces put their face on in the morning—as a woman from the 1950s might say. — Robin Givhan, Vanity Fair, 19 Aug. 2026

This has been an awesome showcase of American community, with our own USMNT support and other countries’ diasporas springing up exalting watch parties all over the place. — Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 19 July 2026

Mary’s valley of sin was exalted and Simon’s mountain of pride was made low through the love of God. — Eric Bashor, Christian Science Monitor, 13 July 2026

From Carrie Bradshaw in her delicate Manolo Blahnik heels to the minimalist wardrobe of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, the barely-there sandals is ’90s fashion exalted. — Julia Rabinowitsch, Vogue, 16 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Latin exaltare, from ex- + altus high — more at old

Noun

Middle English, from exalten + -er

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for exalt

• asphalt
• assault
• basalt
• cobalt
• default
• gestalt
• alt
• fault
• gault
• halt
• malt
• sault

Kids Definition

exalt

verb

ex·​alt ig-ˈzȯlt 

1

: to raise in rank, power, or character

2

: to praise highly : glorify

exalter noun

Medical Definition

exalt

transitive verb

ex·​alt ig-ˈzȯlt 

: to cause (virulence) to increase

virulence exalted by addition of mucin to a bacterial culture

also : to increase the virulence of

exalt a virus by repeated rapid passage through susceptible hosts