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 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 These days, the shows are bigger and the tickets sell out in instants, filling theaters around the country with concertgoers whose response to Geese’s music can best be described as rabid ecstasy. — Simon Vozick-Levinson, Rolling Stone, 10 Sep. 2026 Authorities reportedly seized 70,114 ecstasy pills weighing about 26 kilograms (57 pounds) as well as 4 grams of methamphetamine. — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ecstasy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ecstasy
Noun
  • Zest has also been referred to as vitality, exuberance, and joie de vivre, the French phrase for the joy of living.
    — Joan M. Cook, Time, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The resulting meatballs were moist, herby, spiced, seasoned, spicy and just a joy to eat.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • And thanks to Tucson’s extraordinarily dark heavens, the Sonoran skyscape takes center stage with Peace Among the Stars.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • And a high degree of social fitness contributes to a longer, healthier and more fulfilled life, according to an ongoing 88-year-old Harvard University happiness study.
    — Renée Onque, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2026
  • And the key to finding the joy and happiness balance is no more than 10 days away from my wife and kids.
    — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Over the course of more than twelve hours, the actor pings between heartache and euphoria.
    — Brian Raftery, Vanity Fair, 6 Oct. 2026
  • But as the initial euphoria of the rescue has subsided, officials have begun to raise difficult questions and trade accusations about the security blunders that could have led to a major disaster.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Leaving aside the comics, tie-books, video games, and other ancillary delights of exploiting successful IP, there’s the Netflix show, of course.
    — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Once a farrier's shop, Bygones Cocktail Bar, centered on a horseshoe bar, has romantic lighting, cocktails executed with joy and delight, and a laissez-faire atmosphere.
    — Leslie Pariseau, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Despite their elation over Sunday’s victory, the Rams have plenty to fix.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026
  • And just like in the original movie, there was disappointment along with elation.
    — Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • These novels are puzzles at their core, and using logic to solve the mystery before it’s revealed in the book is, to me, the main pleasure in reading them.
    — New York Times, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Stanton’s confession ends up being incomprehensible to anyone but himself—an irony that McCarthy, with his partiality for secret codes, seems to take great pleasure in.
    — Max Callimanopulos, New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • In lieu of captions, these are paired with placards giving slang terms for alcoholic intoxication.
    — J. Hoberman, ARTnews.com, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The voluntary intoxication loophole means a person may be too impaired to make a meaningful choice and still fall outside the law’s protections for incapacity.
    — Ilana Turko, New York Daily News, 4 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ecstasy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ecstasy. Accessed 18 Oct. 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!