excite

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb excite contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of excite are pique, provoke, quicken, and stimulate. While all these words mean "to arouse as if by pricking," excite implies a stirring up or moving profoundly.

news that excited anger and frustration

When might pique be a better fit than excite?

Although the words pique and excite have much in common, pique suggests stimulating by mild irritation or challenge.

that remark piqued my interest

Where would provoke be a reasonable alternative to excite?

The meanings of provoke and excite largely overlap; however, provoke directs attention to the response called forth.

my stories usually provoke laughter

In what contexts can quicken take the place of excite?

The synonyms quicken and excite are sometimes interchangeable, but quicken implies beneficially stimulating and making active or lively.

the high salary quickened her desire to have the job

When is stimulate a more appropriate choice than excite?

The words stimulate and excite are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, stimulate suggests a rousing out of lethargy, quiescence, or indifference.

stimulating conversation

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 excite Much about the lifestyle and behavior of Polycladus gayi remains unknown so researchers were excited by the chance sightings. Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2025 This drug blocks signaling through receptors in the brainstem for the molecule norepinephrine, which excites our brain. Rj MacKenzie, Popular Science, 3 Sep. 2025 The color of the aurora depends on which gas is being excited by the electrons and on how much energy is being exchanged, NASA said. Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 3 Sep. 2025 In a clip shared on social media, Lee played a recording of the Baton Rouge native sending McKinnon his regards, with McKinnon visibly excited by YoungBoy’s message. Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 2 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for excite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for excite
Verb
  • The Ascent fought back against the defending league champion Tampa Bay Sun in a prime-time Gainbridge Super League matchup, thrilling an energetic Charlotte crowd on a night when kickoff was pushed back roughly 30 minutes due to thunderstorms.
    Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The Broncos used big play after big play to amass a silly-sounding 637 yards of offense and consistently thrill the Albertsons Stadium crowd of 32,887 — officially the ninth home sellout in a row.
    Jim Keyser, Idaho Statesman, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Every action provokes a reaction.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Their works laid the foundation for a genre that continues to evolve, provoke, and inspire.
    Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Ontario, a major production hub for studios and streamers, has set its sights on new climate control technologies to electrify, decarbonize and reduce waste on local film sets.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 7 Sep. 2025
  • This year’s show features performances from Lady Gaga, Mariah Carey, Doja Cat, Post Malone, Katseye and other artists, celebrating music’s biggest names and electrifying cultural moments worldwide.
    Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In interviews, real estate lawyers said that mortgage lenders are typically well aware of their clients’ other loans and sometimes even encourage the primary-residence language for second homes.
    Robert Faturechi, ProPublica, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Participants are encouraged to bring sleeping bags and food.
    Lauren Costantino September 6, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • It’s left supporters on Capitol Hill delighted, frustrated, or wondering what’s next.
    Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Monteverde’s cloud forest is a haven for nature lovers, with canopy walks and wildlife encounters that will delight young and old alike.
    Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • For the first part of the trial, Mowery spent 10 days in the hospital while doctors created a grid of more than 100 points on his head to try to find different circuits or certain activation for pain by watching and stimulating his brain.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Drinking coffee may stimulate an increase in acid production in the stomach.
    Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Zaldivar said in an age where more people are turning away from their faith, the declaration of the young saints is inspiring to many Catholics looking towards the future of the church.
    Lauren Costantino September 6, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Ina Garten’s Outrageous Brownies came extremely close to being as epic as Mom’s, which inspired me to dive deeper into the archives to see if Barefoot Contessa had any other brilliant brownie recipes.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Stubborn inflation and the potential for tariffs to drive up prices have aroused significant fears among policymakers and consumers that household budgets and the economy as a whole will be under significant strain for the foreseeable future.
    Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Sep. 2025
  • The horrors of Gaza have rightly aroused international outrage.
    Sam Fleischacker, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Excite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/excite. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

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