exclamation point

noun

1
: a mark ! used especially after an interjection or exclamation to indicate forceful utterance or strong feeling
2
: a distinctive indication of major significance, interest, or contrast
Their victory in the final game put an exclamation point on the season.

called also exclamation mark

Examples of exclamation point in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But the exclamation point was a ridiculous, audacious display of athleticism by Higgins, who appeared to levitate in order to haul in an 18-yard pass from Burrow that essentially put the victory on ice. Zak Keefer, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2026 Such is the relentless hyperbole of the book that the title seems to want an exclamation point. Nick Holdstock, The Dial, 8 Sep. 2026 The only difference between the comment from Tua’s account and Annah’s was the number of exclamation points. Ryan Canfield Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2026 Atlanta — On the 18th hole, Cameron Young’s sloping, sliding, quick eagle putt from about 42 feet hit the back of the cup, an exclamation point on an 8-under round that sent him from last to first. Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exclamation point

Word History

First Known Use

1795, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of exclamation point was in 1795

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exclamation point.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exclamation%20point. Accessed 15 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

exclamation point

noun
: a punctuation mark ! used chiefly after an exclamation to show a forceful way of speaking or a strong feeling
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