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 Mere feet away, separated by brick walls that have seen more than their fair share of agony and ecstasy over the years, the 2025 Red Sox were gearing up to do the same. Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 27 Sep. 2025 The tense drama follows a successful scientist who develops a revolutionary recreational drug that works only on women, awakening a powerful sense of ecstasy and pleasure even when nothing in their circumstances has changed. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 24 Sep. 2025 What has been lost (or sacrificed) is the continuous thrill-ride ecstasy of No One, where short, crystalline paragraphs propel the reader ever onward. Paul McAdory, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2025 According to the Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner's Office, in October 2023, Reece's death was ruled an accident resulting from acute toxicity due to a combination of cocaine, ethanol (alcohol), and MDMA (commonly known as ecstasy or Molly). Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ecstasy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ecstasy
Noun
  • The look of joy on everyone’s faces said it all.
    Simon Johnson, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • The joy of getting home and slipping into cozy clothing is unmatched, but that doesn’t mean loungewear should be reserved for nights spent on the couch.
    Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Tina Turner’s Gravity-Defying Wavy Shag Tina Turner’s higher-than-heaven shag was heavily teased at the roots, says Abramite.
    Marci Robin, Allure, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Scorsese’s life and work, still ongoing thank heavens, have been given a rather simple five-act structure for purposes of the documentary.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 4 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Because a sizable portion of the white population sought to pursue their happiness by acquiring land occupied by Native Americans.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Watching golf bring people happiness brought him happiness, and that infectious personality was felt by everyone who met him.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The deal and spending euphoria are drawing parallels to the dotcom bubble of the late 1990s and even the 2008 financial crisis.
    Jaures Yip, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The word euphoria is derived from ancient Greek.
    Janine Di Giovanni, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • An airline passenger shared their delight after taking their spot on a flight and finding an adorable dog staring at them from the seats in front.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The four-time Tony winner closed out her speech with an Irish blessing — sung a capella, much to the crowd’s delight.
    Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • There are four basic types of the disorder, which are characterized by periods of elation and hyperactivity known as manic episodes, which are then followed by depressive stages where the patient experiences feelings of sadness and depression.
    Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Late drama stole the show at Gillette Stadium as emotions swung from frustration to elation and back again.
    Julian Cardillo, Boston Herald, 18 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The close, caring but contentious relationships among the three Williams women constitute some of the new season’s greatest pleasures.
    Judy Berman, Time, 23 Oct. 2025
  • All these small pleasures that most children know are still mysteries to her.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • On September 30, 2025, Festus Police in Missouri arrested him for public intoxication and notified ICE.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The intoxication thesis says this is all wrong.
    Big Think, Big Think, 15 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ecstasy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ecstasy. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

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