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

Denard exclaims, using an emerging slur against robots and AI. —Neda Ulaby, NPR, 13 Mar. 2026

The next student exclaimed a love of football. —Zach Berman, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2026

Everyone now has to gasp politely and exclaim that this is a big opportunity for the dads indeed, while Mikayla stands there awkwardly, still holding her big pink box full of live butterflies. —Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 12 Mar. 2026

These belonged to Kim Kardashian, André proudly exclaims. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 7 Mar. 2026

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