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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 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 That meant her action sequences, while exhilarating for the actress, were quite minimal. — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 3 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 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 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
  • Those who enjoy focusing on wellness on vacation will be thrilled to learn about the property's brand-new padel court, complimentary bicycle rentals, and small gym, which is tucked into a cottage at the end of the pool deck.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Sep. 2026
  • This year, Prada sent a brilliant bouquet of skirts in thrilling colors down the runway.
    — Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of thrill
Verb
  • Boring Company signals its interest TBC would be excited and honored to build this massive infrastructure project.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The hunt for the next big thing is still what excites many in the industry, said EOG’s Yacob.
    — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of excite
Verb
  • With 90 minutes of electrifying performances and a live showcase of their biggest hits, STRAYCITY became the largest concert Stray Kids has ever held in Mexico to date, according to organizers.
    — Natalia Cano, Billboard, 26 Sep. 2026
  • The government says electricity demand could rise substantially in coming years as homes, businesses and transportation become increasingly electrified and as data centers and other energy-intensive technologies expand.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of electrify
Verb
  • Located in a petite strip mall off I-75, the doughnut shop lacks frills but delights with an array of yeast and cake-style doughnuts.
    — Lia Picard, AJC.com, 27 Sep. 2026
  • The independent company prioritized restoring the hotel, which has a place on the National Register of Historic Places, to its former splendor and updating it to delight modern sensibilities.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 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
  • Gradually, the notion of trading PowerPoint slides and Excel spreadsheets for something more elemental became intoxicating.
    — Peter Hahn, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Earlier this year, the publications also reported on the dangers of methylene chloride as part of an investigation into Colorado’s failure to adopt many regulations used by other states to keep intoxicating hemp products off marijuana shelves.
    — Christopher Osher, ProPublica, 25 Sep. 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 1 Oct. 2026.

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