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
Relevance
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
Typically, that was rooted in power – best brought to life by exhilarating acceleration and blistering speed.
—
Tim Parker, Fortune, 18 Dec. 2025
So in my early and mid-20s, I was still exhilarated by just being free and alone in the world, and traveling, which agreed with me.
—Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 11 Dec. 2025
Jen is exhilarated and ready to salsa her tuchis off, postpartum logistics be damned.
—Olivia Crandall, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2025
Cultural Appreciation Beyond the exhilarating adventures, another compelling element of the Mørketid in Norway itinerary is the intentional interaction with and support of local communities.
—Susan B. Barnes, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for exhilarate
Tim Parker, Fortune, 18 Dec. 2025
So in my early and mid-20s, I was still exhilarated by just being free and alone in the world, and traveling, which agreed with me.
—Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 11 Dec. 2025
Jen is exhilarated and ready to salsa her tuchis off, postpartum logistics be damned.
—Olivia Crandall, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2025
Cultural Appreciation Beyond the exhilarating adventures, another compelling element of the Mørketid in Norway itinerary is the intentional interaction with and support of local communities.
—Susan B. Barnes, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for exhilarate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exhilarate
Verb
-
Despite the dangerously frigid conditions outside, Bieganek is thrilled that, after a few thin years, the lake is nearly frozen solid.—
Stephanie Pearson,
Outside,
14 Jan. 2026
-
To see Caleb Williams lean into the rivalry, to see Johnson go full meathead, was invigorating for the local and the NFL, and the league’s fans should be thrilled as well.—
Jon Greenberg,
New York Times,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Tapascott said speed alone no longer excites drivers.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Jan. 2026
-
At Square Peg, I was surrounded by more than two dozen filmmakers — all brilliant, all hand-selected — and exactly none were excited by the prospect of building audience or crafting distribution strategy.—
Dana Harris-Bridson,
IndieWire,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Key to this is Fiennes’ commando performance, a tour de force with so few f*cks given that the film’s astonishing, electrifying climax could put him back into the awards conversation with a part that couldn’t be farther away from Conclave’s Cardinal Thomas.—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
13 Jan. 2026
-
After a slew of electrifying performances at the national championships, 16 figure skaters will represent the US at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics – including the men’s, women’s and ice dance world champions.—
Holly Yan,
CNN Money,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Newsom has trolled Trump for months with social media barbs, delighting some Democratic loyalists who have pushed party leaders and potential 2028 candidates to take a harder line.—
Dave Goldiner,
Mercury News,
20 Jan. 2026
-
The Berlin International Film Festival unveiled its 2026 lineup on Tuesday, revealing a program sure to delight the festival’s many hardcore arthouse fans, but with little in the way of big Hollywood titles to draw in the undecided.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
20 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The debate within the Democratic coalition is already bigger and louder, dividing moderates in swing states from progressives elated by Mamdani's rocket to victory in the nation's largest city.—
Susan Page,
USA Today,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Wilson can contribute to any super-jam and we’d be elated by her presence.—
Devon Ivie,
Vulture,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Beyond its intoxicating scent, the bottle will look gorgeous in your beauty cabinet.—
Kyra Surgent,
InStyle,
8 Jan. 2026
-
That, too, has created intoxicating competitive energy.—
Dan Wiederer,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Exhilarate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exhilarate. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
