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 Ozzy, who commanded audiences with his unpredictable, exhilarating live performances, was also known for his sharp sense of humor. — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 23 July 2026 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 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
  • In speaking with folks who live here, they are thrilled the city is now getting involved but are hesitant to claim any kind of victory just yet.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Villa sources were thrilled for a teenager who had become a hugely popular figure around the club and seemingly now among supporters.
    — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of thrill
Verb
  • Newcomer Bazoumana Toure has also excited with his pace and crossing ability, so may force his way in on the left.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Ask what excites them, share your vision, and choose one clear next step together.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of excite
Verb
  • The electrifying rookie hammered the ball 368 feet into the right-field seats for a two-run home run, giving the Cardinals a 6-3 lead.
    — Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Countries exposed to the current oil shock will have powerful incentives to electrify more of their transportation and industry and to generate that electricity from secure domestic sources, including wind, solar, bioenergy, and nuclear power.
    — Jason Bordoff, Foreign Affairs, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of electrify
Verb
  • Fantastic Fest, the most reliably eclectic and unapologetically strange American film festival on the fall calendar, has unveiled a lineup that promises to delight any cinephile whose tastes lie outside the conventional.
    — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Good stories may delight or entertain, anger or outrage, surprise or shock.
    — Greg Borowski, jsonline.com, 15 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
  • Teefey, who is married with a teenage daughter, reportedly frequently slept inside her office at the company’s West Hollywood headquarters, watched sitcoms during the workday as takeout boxes drew flies and appeared intoxicated at work.
    — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The bond modification hearing and sentencing hearing stemmed from her May 11 no-contest plea to operating while intoxicated, the prosecutor's office previously said.
    — Christina Hall, USA Today, 14 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 20 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on exhilarate

Nglish: Translation of exhilarate for Spanish Speakers

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