exhilaration

noun

ex·​hil·​a·​ra·​tion ig-ˌzi-lə-ˈrā-shən 

1

: the action of exhilarating

2

: the feeling or the state of being exhilarated

Synonyms of exhilaration

• thrill
• kick

Examples of exhilaration in a Sentence

I felt a kind of exhilaration when I reached the top of the mountain.

the lavish spectacle results in one exhilaration after another

Recent Examples on the Web

While emerging 15 years ago, Rocky established himself as a master of forward-thinking aesthetics that could embody the brooding cool of a swaggy ninja or the turnt exhilaration of a trap star’s rave. —Peter A. Berry, Variety, 16 Jan. 2026

The exhilaration of constant research and development is part of what drives this culinary team. —Su-Jit Lin, Southern Living, 15 Jan. 2026

The moment is fleeting, though, interrupted by the sharp pangs of rapidly escalating synthesizers that create a sudden sense of claustrophobic exhilaration. —Literary Hub, 14 Jan. 2026

There's a rush, an exhilaration to the risk. —Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 11 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1622, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for exhilaration

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

exhilaration

noun

ex·​hil·​a·​ra·​tion ig-ˌzil-ə-ˈrā-shən 

1

: the action of exhilarating

2

: the state or the feeling of being exhilarated : high spirits