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

The island’s allure is often centered around exhilaration—surfing on its west coast and exploring its fathomless forests—yet a calmer current of energy runs alongside this adventurous spirit. — Adrienne Matei, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026

When presented together and thought juxtapositionally, the works launch visitors onto an emotional pendulum that pivots from exhilaration to unease and distress. — Tina M. Campt, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026

But, as fans now learn, that didn’t preclude coming up with additional material after the fact, which the singer is saying came out in a spontaneous explosion of post-release exhilaration with her two collaborators on that album. — Chris Willman, Variety, 23 Sep. 2026

When Maserati brought me back, exhilaration turned to fixation, which Weiss happily indulged by bringing me back for a third time to be coached by Rod Macleod. — Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 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