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

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Relevance

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
One of my favorite features looked at the Asian and Asian American chefs who were leading the way in bringing Boston some of the most exciting restaurants to date. — Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 9 Oct. 2026 Wolf may be less playful on this album, but her songs aren’t any less exciting. — Enzo Escober, Pitchfork, 9 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
  • There’s also the Chill and Thrill Islands, aptly named for their focuses on chilling and thrilling passengers, respectively.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Wilson finished with 22 points and nine rebounds on paper, but her late-game meltdown completely hijacked what was otherwise a thrilling 99-89 Indiana victory.
    — Alejandro Avila , Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of thrilling
Verb
  • Bealls is launching its first national ad campaign, encouraging shoppers to rediscover the idea of a treasure hunt for the holiday season.
    — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
  • While Antetokounmpo is still trying to get used to the Heat’s up-tempo style, the offensive results have already been encouraging this preseason.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of encouraging
Adjective
  • Disappointingly, her screenplay proceeds to unfold in a procession of frustrating get-outs and compromises, repeatedly choosing the least interesting or challenging direction to take this would-be throuple.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
  • This would provide some interesting tactical options for the Navy, especially for conflicts with rivals, like China.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of interesting
Verb
  • After its electrifying premiere, there were quickly reports that A24 is focused on a Best Picture campaign for the film in large part because the Academy’s fusty Documentary Branch may opt not to nominate it for Best Documentary Feature.
    — Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 2 Oct. 2026
  • 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
Definition of electrifying
Verb
  • From this format emerges the tacit thesis that the Bicentennial cultural activities excelled at provoking critical, imaginative reflections on America’s past and future from artmakers and from ordinary citizens alike.
    — Anna Kornbluh, ARTnews.com, 7 Oct. 2026
  • This year, the event will once again feature panels, thought-provoking conversations, roundtables, networking opportunities and activations, along with the celebrated Billboard En Vivo performances.
    — Sigal Ratner-Arias, Billboard, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of provoking
Adjective
  • The British singer-songwriter and producer began her career as an elusive internet figure with a skill for crafting intriguing earworms.
    — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2026
  • That’s why Chicago AF events focus on piquing adults’ interest with intriguing reasons to engage in companionship and activity.
    — Marie Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 3 Oct. 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 11 Oct. 2026.

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