exclamation

noun

ex·​cla·​ma·​tion ˌek-sklə-ˈmā-shən 

1

: a sharp or sudden utterance

2

: vehement expression of protest or complaint

Synonyms of exclamation

• 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

One of the headiest things about Adult Braces is how West’s prose style was pickled in the mid-2010s, so her use of caps lock and exclamation marks acted on me as a powerful Proustian madeleine. —Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2026

Well, Tre White put an exclamation-point dunk through the hoop with 13 seconds left. —Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2026

Similarly, his students do not end texts with a period, claiming that no punctuation or an exclamation mark shows enthusiasm. —Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 20 Feb. 2026

For Mater Dei Catholic, Saturday’s win serves as an exclamation mark on what has been a season of notable growth for the program. —Clark Fahrenthold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026

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