exhilarate

verb

ig-ˈzi-lə-ˌrāt How to pronounce exhilarate (audio)
Definition of exhilaratenext
1
as in to thrill
to cause a pleasurable stimulation of the feelings the exhilarating feeling of flying that hang gliding offers

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to excite
to fill with great joy the climactic moment of commencement ceremonies usually exhilarates graduates and proud parents alike

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 exhilarate For nearly two decades, Justin Bieber has cut a tumultuous, highly scrutinized, and often exhilarating path through pop music and global celebrity. — Dan Adler, Vanity Fair, 19 July 2026 Life will take you on twists and turns, but that is the fun and exhilarating part of the ride. — Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026 They were exhilarated, having explored many systems and enjoyed a little thrill–all while safely under the watch of their expert guide. — Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 4 July 2026 For the most part, the entries have been purely exhilarating stuff. — Kansas City Star, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for exhilarate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exhilarate
  1. thrill
  2. excite
  3. electrify
  4. delight
  5. elate
  6. intoxicate
Verb
  • Together with our partners at the BBC, we are thrilled to be working with the dream team of David, Lenny, Claire, Matthew and Element Pictures to bring this beautiful love story to life.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 30 July 2026
  • For its part, Netflix has not been thrilled with Afram’s response to the situation either.
    — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 30 July 2026
Definition of thrill
Verb
  • Moments like the one below against Eintracht Frankfurt should excite Madrid fans.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 30 July 2026
  • Crow’s theory is that some of his preferred candidates—Marine drill sergeants, federal prosecutors—are more likely to excite those who are down on both parties.
    — Philip Elliott, Time, 27 July 2026
Definition of excite
Verb
  • This electrifying comeback proved Rush's enduring power and ability to captivate audiences, even in a new configuration.
    — David Chiu, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Largely missing from the public discussion is the opportunity to catalyze a broader shift to alternative fuels across sectors that can’t be electrified easily.
    — Justin Worland, Time, 31 July 2026
Definition of electrify
Verb
  • The trade infuriated fans and likely delighted the MLB executives and owners who are thirsty to implement a hard salary cap in the next collective bargaining agreement.
    — Jon Greenberg, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The recipe continues to be the creative constant for a cake that still delights guests 90 years on.
    — Bianca Betancourt, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of delight
Verb
  • There were decisions that would elate or devastate players.
    — Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 24 May 2026
  • This helped convince the administration to shift to their side, elating students, especially Simpson.
    — Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026
Definition of elate
Verb
  • More News Tony Romo was placed on leave by CBS Sports after his arrest on suspicion of driving while intoxicated.
    — Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
  • McGrew was arraigned July 27 on one count of marine safety - operating while intoxicated causing serious injury, and second offense operating while intoxicated/impaired.
    — Joseph Buczek, CBS News, 31 July 2026
Definition of intoxicate

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exhibits
exhilarate
exhilarated
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Cite this Entry

“Exhilarate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exhilarate. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on exhilarate

Nglish: Translation of exhilarate for Spanish Speakers

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