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 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
  • The result can be thrilling—until the protagonist looks different in the next scene or suddenly appears with a new face in the following shot.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Aug. 2026
  • White, along with Grant Williams, were thrilled to be part of spreading the message.
    — Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of thrill
Verb
  • This latest development is sure to excite fans of the franchise, who have been begging for a new X-Men movie since Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox and its library in 2019.
    — Justin Kroll, Deadline, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Because their biology is so fascinating, but some of the things that really excite us about them.
    — Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of excite
Verb
  • Even if the full ambition has not been met, there is no doubt that clean hydrogen requires the full attention of our policymakers to decarbonize hard-to-electrify sectors and increasingly provide energy and food security.
    — Sverre Alvik, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Timothy Oberleiton, a senior attorney at Earthjustice, said the organization supports local and federal efforts to electrify and shares the village’s vision.
    — Cam'ron Hardy, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of electrify
Verb
  • There are dance sequences to come, and delight to be had as their own kids demonstrate the same ferocious capacity for imaginative play in later years.
    — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Jackie and her mate, Shadow, delighted millions of viewers who watched an ongoing live stream of their nest in Big Bear.
    — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 11 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
  • Under that standard, Hampton was intoxicated at the time of the collision, Assistant District Attorneys Jones and Elizabeth Haratsis argued.
    — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Jackson was charged with two felony counts and on misdemeanor count of resisting law enforcement, and misdemeanor counts of operating while endangering and operating while intoxicated.
    — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 9 Aug. 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 13 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on exhilarate

Nglish: Translation of exhilarate for Spanish Speakers

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