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

Artificial intelligence inspires both excitement and anxiety, and few people are as well equipped to separate signal from noise as Rajeev Kapur. —Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026

For all of Webb’s excitement, the Giants aren’t exactly thrilled about their ace’s participation. —Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 27 Jan. 2026

In short, this beacon of excitement and activity is not to be missed. —Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Jan. 2026

The live broadcast of a potentially life-threatening stunt has drawn both excitement and concerns over its ethical implications. —Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 26 Jan. 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)