exclaim

verb

ex·​claim ik-ˈsklām 

exclaimed; exclaiming; exclaims

intransitive verb

1

: to cry out or speak in strong or sudden emotion

exclaimed in delight

2

: to speak loudly or vehemently

exclaimed against corruption

transitive verb

: to utter sharply, passionately, or vehemently : proclaim

exclaimer noun

Synonyms of exclaim

• shout
• roar

Examples of exclaim in a Sentence

“Here he comes!” someone exclaimed.

She exclaimed in delight over the Christmas tree.

The children exclaimed with wonder when they saw the elephant.

Recent Examples on the Web

Simmons exclaimed during his testimony. —Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 9 Dec. 2025

Chastain exclaimed from her perch on the second floor surrounded by more Bay Area soccer royalty, Chris Wondolowski and Leslie Osborne. —Evan Webeck, Mercury News, 6 Dec. 2025

Samy exclaimed, pointing at four sculptures supported by wooden rods. —Literary Hub, 5 Dec. 2025

Haines exclaimed, as the camera showed Goldberg chasing the object — which had zipped off at high speed — to the corner of the studio. —Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle French exclamer, from Latin exclamare, from ex- + clamare to cry out — more at claim

First Known Use

1566, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Rhymes for exclaim

• acclaim
• aflame
• airframe
• ballgame
• became
• declaim
• defame
• disclaim
• doorframe
• inflame
• mainframe
• nickname

Kids Definition

exclaim

verb

ex·​claim iks-ˈklām 

: to cry out or speak suddenly or with strong feeling

exclaimed in delight