exciting 1 of 2

adjective

ik-ˈsī-tiŋ How to pronounce exciting (audio)
Definition of excitingnext
1
as in thrilling
causing great emotional or mental stimulation an exciting, come-from-behind victory for the underdogs in the last game of the World Series

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in provocative
serving or likely to arouse a strong reaction and what exciting news have you for us today?

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

exciting

2 of 2

verb

present participle of excite
1
as in electrifying
to cause a pleasurable stimulation of the feelings for some reason the first snowfall of the season never fails to excite us

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in encouraging
to rouse to strong feeling or action televised pictures of the victims of the famine that would excite any viewer to pity

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 exciting
Adjective
Those potentially exciting results were presented in a scientific talk at the 2026 TeV Particle Astrophysics conference in Japan, with a preprint available on the arXiv. — ArsTechnica, 2 Oct. 2026 While seemingly insignificant, these small changes make for a Rice Krispies treat that’s perfectly pullable, delightfully sweet yet salty, and just a touch more exciting than the classic. — Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Oct. 2026
Verb
Major Wilson, 17, has been around horses most of his life and now spends much of his time helping younger riders get ready, showing them how to saddle their horses without exciting them. — Jhair Romero, Houston Chronicle, 26 Feb. 2026 For Harrington and her husband Dante, the thought of triplets was shocking but exciting all the same. — Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for exciting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exciting
  1. breathtaking
  2. provocative
  3. thrilling
  4. encouraging
  5. interesting
  6. electrifying
  7. provoking
  8. intriguing
Adjective
  • The rise since the era of zero rates has been breathtaking, with the share of income devoted to interest payments up by two-thirds.
    — Harvey Stober, CNBC, 4 Oct. 2026
  • And residents think of it as just another part of island life — a minor inconvenience for small-town community charm, breathtaking views and a break from the hustle of much of the rest of Southern California.
    — Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of breathtaking
Adjective
  • The spot urges a woman to vote for Hilton, who says its provocative humor is meant to reach Californians open to change despite his party affiliation.
    — Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The panel wrapped with a provocative audience question from an NBCUniversal exec who asked the panel what the best path forward for her company would be.
    — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of provocative
Verb
  • Made in Korea, Disney+‘s darkly thrilling K-drama spy series, came to a simmering conclusion on Wednesday as stars Hyun Bin and Jung Woo-sung faced off for one final game of cat and mouse.
    — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Making the occasion even sweeter, the Bills pulled off a thrilling 41-31 win against the Lions, with quarterback Josh Allen delivering five touchdowns (three passing and two rushing).
    — Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of thrilling
Verb
  • Her mom was one of her earliest patrons, encouraging Lanell to paint for at least one hour per day throughout her childhood.
    — Jewel Wicker, AJC.com, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Jag Nagendra is challenging stereotypes by encouraging greater participation and visibility in the community.
    — The Sacramento Bee staff, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of encouraging
Adjective
  • The pressure is on the Dodgers, and if the Braves can steal a game in Los Angeles, things could get interesting.
    — AJC.com, AJC.com, 3 Oct. 2026
  • There are also some interesting features of the actual delivery of the first two as well.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of interesting
Verb
  • The Minnesota Lynx's electrifying guard, Olivia Miles, has been named the Kia WNBA Rookie of the Year.
    — Cole Premo, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026
  • With 90 minutes of electrifying performances and a live showcase of their biggest hits, STRAYCITY became the largest concert Stray Kids has ever held in Mexico to date, according to organizers.
    — Natalia Cano, Billboard, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of electrifying
Verb
  • Trotting out this try-hard trifecta of confusing, uninspired installments in a year that’s seen so many entertaining, thought-provoking additions to the horror genre?
    — Jen Chaney, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Tom Cruise‘s Digger is being called a very big swing of a dramatic satire that’s provoking very mixed reactions after the film’s first press screenings.
    — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of provoking
Adjective
  • Adapted from a story by Henry Bates, the drama is an intriguing science fantasy, made believable by touches of genuine humor and the faint suggestion of a romance between a pretty American widow and a mysterious visitor from another planet.
    — THR Staff, HollywoodReporter, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Atelier Lune One of the more intriguing features of the Camping House is how mobility is integrated into its architectural design.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of intriguing

Browse Nearby Words

excites
exciting
exclaim
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Cite this Entry

“Exciting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exciting. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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