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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Canyon coach Nate Harrison was exhausted and exhilarated afterward. — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026 Each adventure is led by experienced guides and designed to balance exhilarating physical challenge with the serene grandeur of the desert landscape. — Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 The philosophical qualities that define Lindelof’s best work, as well as his stories’ exhilarating strangeness, get lost in the jumble of voices. — Judy Berman, Time, 14 Aug. 2026 The ease of Letty’s romance with Montgomery’s character is positively exhilarating by comparison, and Brown makes the most of the contrast. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 28 July 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
  • 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
  • Her goal is not to say that this is the best option for everyone, but just to make people who might not be thrilled about implants for whatever reason know that an AFC after a double mastectomy is an option.
    — Kara McGrath, Allure, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of thrill
Verb
  • The space invited us into the world of Gucci, excited us with product on the rails, and reminded everyone of the magic a store can bring to the shopping experience.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The two are excited by the location and by the prospect of being in the heart of a bustling district.
    — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of excite
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 electrify
Verb
  • Tse Yang was the finest Chinese restaurant to open in Madrid, and its crispy Peking Duck has been delighting locals for years.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The kind of mid-budget delights Cruise specialized are struggling to exist.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 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
  • One increased the probation term for anyone convicted of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.
    — Alula Alderson, Sacbee.com, 5 Oct. 2026
  • About a month after the incident, Soenen said she was assaulted again at an off-campus party while heavily intoxicated.
    — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of intoxicate

Browse Nearby Words

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 8 Oct. 2026.

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