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 of excitement

• 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

This typically gets worse over time and is often accompanied by a harsh goose-honking cough triggered by excitement or exercise. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2026

After serving as a commissioner for tennis during the 1984 Olympic Games in the city, Burke said he was overwhelmed by the sense of community and excitement that the international sporting event fostered. —James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026

Attendance, excitement on the rise Jeffrey Shelton, 58, of Rocklin, grew up in the Bay Area going to A’s and San Francisco Giants games regularly. —Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 30 May 2026

While there was excitement over the early lead, Holyoke (13-8) left the bases loaded. —Justin Barrasso, Boston Herald, 30 May 2026

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)