exclamation

noun

ex·​cla·​ma·​tion ˌek-sklə-ˈmā-shən 

1

: a sharp or sudden utterance

2

: vehement expression of protest or complaint

Synonyms

• cry
• shout
• interjection
• scream
• shriek
• ejaculation

Examples of exclamation in a Sentence

Her unexpected announcement caused a few exclamations of surprise.

the good news was greeted with a chorus of joyous exclamations

Recent Examples on the Web

With a 6-3 ruling Friday restricting the power of judges to issue nationwide blocks on presidential initiatives, the court put an exclamation mark on a term dominated by Trump victories. —Alicia Adamczyk, Fortune, 28 June 2025

Second-year outfielder Andy Pages hit a go-ahead double in the 10th inning to propel LA to the win, adding an exclamation mark to a great season so far with the Dodgers. —Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 June 2025

Rafael Devers then delivered the exclamation mark in the ninth with a solo shot to the second deck, and Toro finished the scoring with an RBI double. —Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 9 June 2025

Its lilting melody leads the listener by the band straight into the fist-pumping chorus, which simply repeats the title multiple times — with the exclamation mark included. —Jem Aswad, Variety, 9 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing exclamation

• exclamation point
• put an exclamation point on

Rhymes for exclamation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

exclamation

noun

ex·​cla·​ma·​tion ˌeks-klə-ˈmā-shən 

1

: a sharp or sudden cry of strong feeling

2

: a strong expression of anger or complaint