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 Black is charged with allegedly trafficking between 10 grams and 200 grams of MDMA, known on the street as molly or ecstasy. Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 7 May 2026 Just a year ago, the Championship’s propensity for drama on the final day of the season brought stoppage-time ecstasy for Leeds United and heartache for Burnley. Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 1 May 2026 In 2024, the FDA rejected MDMA, a psychedelic drug commonly known as ecstasy, for treating PTSD, despite intense political pressure from veterans groups to approve it. Erika Edwards, NBC news, 24 Apr. 2026 Marijuana, as of Thursday, is a Schedule I drug, the same level as heroin, LSD, and ecstasy. Addy Bink, The Hill, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ecstasy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ecstasy
Noun
  • For every grousing old-timer who felt that Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman was contaminating the genre came another who expressed sheer joy that such a show even existed.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
  • The death of two of his sons in previous years formed the background, but Cave’s themes are hopefulness and the joy that lives at the far side of grief.
    Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026
Noun
  • Warnings, laments, and odes to renewal were expressed pictorially as dying days under bleeding heavens, belching volcanoes, proud icebergs, lavish rainbows amid spangling, mist-suffusing sunlight and dawns of peace and hope.
    Sebastian Smee, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
  • Gaga and Doechii, a match made in fashion heaven, and two style students who clearly did their homework for this assignment.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Martin also hopes to remind others that happiness is not about a number on a scale.
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 23 May 2026
  • But this album is even more a celebration of memory, with plenty of current happiness thrown in too — as if his recollections about his Liverpool boyhood and his contemporary mash notes to his wife, Nancy Shevell, occupied adjacent spots on his personal timeline.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 23 May 2026
Noun
  • Teenagers may inhale gases, sprays or solvents to experience a brief high that can include euphoria and hallucinations.
    Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 15 May 2026
  • The initial euphoria quickly devolves into Nikki becoming increasingly violent and erratic.
    Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 15 May 2026
Noun
  • Musical delight did not seem to be biologically endowed in quite the direct way people had assumed.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
  • The jingle has staying power — much to the delight of prolific thriller author James Patterson, who helped write the lyrics in his early career in advertising.
    Rachel Treisman, NPR, 20 May 2026
Noun
  • The video exuded the elation of Covid response skeptics at long last grabbing the reins of power.
    Joshua M. Sharfstein, STAT, 16 May 2026
  • Throughout the visual, the three-time Grammy winner can be seen traipsing through the palace's opulent halls in a coquettish ensemble, capturing the elation of newfound romance.
    Ilana Kaplan, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • For a completist like me, the pleasures of MTV Unplugged came from hearing overfamiliar songs freshened up, if rarely truly reimagined.
    Dan Kois, Pitchfork, 17 May 2026
  • The property’s pleasures certainly help.
    Natalie Hoberman, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
Noun
  • The department said its Gaslamp Enforcement teams can face large crowds, active fights and high levels of intoxication and sometimes deal with situations that quickly escalate.
    Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2026
  • Gracie Yates, 18, was arrested for first-degree intoxication manslaughter and felony injury to a child.
    Briauna Brown, CBS News, 12 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ecstasy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ecstasy. Accessed 24 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on ecstasy

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster