Definition of ecstasynext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word ecstasy distinct from other similar nouns?

The words rapture and transport are common synonyms of ecstasy. While all three words mean "intense exaltation of mind and feelings," ecstasy and rapture both suggest a state of trance or near immobility produced by an overpowering emotion; ecstasy may apply to any strong emotion (such as joy, fear, rage, adoration).

religious ecstasy

Where would rapture be a reasonable alternative to ecstasy?

While the synonyms rapture and ecstasy are close in meaning, rapture usually implies intense bliss or beatitude.

in speechless rapture

When would transport be a good substitute for ecstasy?

The words transport and ecstasy can be used in similar contexts, but transport applies to any powerful emotion that lifts one out of oneself and usually provokes vehement expression or frenzied action.

in a transport of rage

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of ecstasy Her eyes were cast upward, as the saint’s had been, in her own private ecstasy. — Ellen O’Connell Whittet, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2026 St Rita de Cascia in ecstasy in front of the figure of Christ on the cross, 19th century. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026 Dance movies marvelously translate primal emotions into motion, the human body becoming a supple instrument deftly communicating the pain, ecstasy and confusion of being alive. — Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026 When the cameras spanned the crowd, there was ecstasy everywhere. — Candace Buckner, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ecstasy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ecstasy
Noun
  • Through lush orchestral arrangements, Estrada sang about finding joy after heartbreak and loss — and made her fans feel a little less alone during bleak times.
    — Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Our patients’ joy was matched by the doctors, nurses and healthcare personnel that day, many of whom were in costume.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Tasting menu guests can expect six courses of heaven, filled with handcrafted pasta, fresh seafood and elevated entrees that with linger with you.
    — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2026
  • This world’s heavens are lit with cosmic rays, its cityscapes otherworldly — everything seems to service an unabashed romanticism.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • But the stand-alone fragment, in the seeming spirit of Franz Kafka’s surreal and unsettling fiction, links success to misery, and happiness to death.
    — Robert S. Levine, The Conversation, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Buffett’s view is supported by research that shows that people with supportive spouses tend to take on more rewarding challenges throughout their lives, and end up having more personal growth and happiness.
    — Shayla Love, Vox, 25 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Cychlorphine can also cause sedation and euphoria, decreased consciousness and unresponsiveness.
    — Diana Anos, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2026
  • That distillation created a kind of euphoria—several of the dealers and collectors described it as a life-highlight event—that can only serve to further stoke this community’s passion for Polo.
    — Luke Leitch, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Wesley Fofana missed what proved to be the final kick of the shootout, smashing it well over the crossbar and into The Kop at Anfield as Liverpool fans roared in delight.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Dimensional, smooth, and an absolute delight to look at, calf hair also brings with it the benefit of longevity, meaning the Coach handbags above are guaranteed to stay in tip-top shape for years (if not decades) on end.
    — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Her feelings of elation, though, were tempered by a need to help others facing the same fight.
    — Karen Borta, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • So just imagine his joy and elation when those nearest and dearest to him recently gathered to give him an epic send-off to the Sunshine State to see his favorite team in action at the University of Florida in Gainesville.
    — Patrick Snell, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • That instinct to preserve some special purchases in spite of pressure from higher prices reflects a kind of little treat economy, when consumers splurge on smaller pleasures even if they’re squeezed by costs.
    — Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The afternoons are great for small pleasures but not at all suitable for a potentially deciding championship game in a billion-dollar sports league.
    — Candace Buckner, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The officer who filed the police report believed the accuser lacked the ability to give consent, due to her age and level of intoxication seen in the livestream.
    — Penny Kmitt, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Eppright was booked into the Bexar County jail Thursday on charges of intoxication manslaughter and intoxication assault with a vehicle causing serious bodily injury, court records show.
    — Annasofia Scheve, San Antonio Express-News, 15 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Ecstasy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ecstasy. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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