excitement

noun

ex·​cite·​ment ik-ˈsīt-mənt 

1

: something that excites or rouses

2

: the action of exciting : the state of being excited

Synonyms

• encouragement
• stimulation
• stimulus
• motivation
• incentive

Examples of excitement in a Sentence

Our excitement was building as the end of the game approached.

His hands shook with excitement.

The child cried out in excitement.

a trip filled with excitement and adventure

She talked about the excitements of her new life.

This job loses its excitement after a while.

Recent Examples on the Web

North Carolina’s 20-3 win over the 49ers on the Charlotte campus Saturday night won’t break any records for its excitement level. —Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 7 Sep. 2025

Fall does not arrive with the same excitement. —Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Sep. 2025

There will be a level of excitement that wasn’t present for most years between 1891-2011. —Quentin Corpuel, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025

The feeling of excitement and possibility that comes with visiting a place for the first time is one of my favorite things in life. —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 6 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing excitement

• hyper-excitement
• tingle with excitement

Rhymes for excitement

• incitement
• indictment

Kids Definition

excitement

noun

ex·​cite·​ment ik-ˈsīt-mənt 

1

: something that excites

2

: the state of being excited : agitation

Medical Definition

excitement

noun

ex·​cite·​ment -ˈsīt-mənt 

1

: the act of exciting

2

: the state of being excited: as

a

: aroused, augmented, or abnormal activity of an organism or functioning of an organ or part

b

: extreme motor hyperactivity (as in catatonic schizophrenia or bipolar disorder)