as in exciting
causing great emotional or mental stimulation
no recording can capture the exhilarating feeling of being at a live rock concert
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in thrilling
to cause a pleasurable stimulation of the feelings
the exhilarating feeling of flying that hang gliding offers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in intoxicating
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 exhilarating
Ross Raihala, Twin Cities, 14 May 2026
Jordan called pitching both an emotionally vulnerable and exhilarating position.
—Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
Kansas City Star, 16 Mar. 2026
The pure potential of nuclear technology was exhilarating to contemplate in the abstract, but the ideas of science fiction are not always so smoothly integrated into the messy reality of the real world.
—Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for exhilarating
Adjective
After that, Mars dove deep into his back catalog for what’s likely to be one of the most exhilarating stretches of any large-scale concert in town this year (or next).
—Ross Raihala, Twin Cities, 14 May 2026
Jordan called pitching both an emotionally vulnerable and exhilarating position.
—Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
Because true as that was technically, that distinction was more fundamental than incidental in a league so defined by that very line — especially considering their once-exhilarating offense had turned stale over much of the season.
—Kansas City Star, 16 Mar. 2026
The pure potential of nuclear technology was exhilarating to contemplate in the abstract, but the ideas of science fiction are not always so smoothly integrated into the messy reality of the real world.
—Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for exhilarating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exhilarating
Adjective
-
The series itself follows the famed adventurer as he's joined by celebrities for exciting journeys in the wilderness.—
Brenton Blanchet,
PEOPLE,
19 May 2026
-
Watch the official livestream replay now and immerse yourself in one of the most exciting student fashion events in the world.—
Kayla Rivera,
AJC.com,
19 May 2026
Verb
-
White Sox fans got the last laugh on Sunday afternoon as their squad completed a wild, thrilling comeback victory over their crosstown rivals.—
Alejandro Avila OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
18 May 2026
-
In a thrilling double bill, Shawn himself has been performing his 1990 monologue The Fever on the same stage, nights when the moths are dark.—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
18 May 2026
Verb
-
Colorado became one of the first states to ban that chemical conversion process and prohibit the sale of intoxicating hemp products to its residents.—
Christopher Osher,
ProPublica,
15 May 2026
-
The gleaming cube vase holds the light yet intoxicating scent.—
Gretta Monahan,
Boston Herald,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
Some draw you for history held in their walls, some for breathtaking views, others for design, discretion, or their quiet gravitas.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
18 May 2026
-
But for the first time in modern automotive history, the industry’s center of gravity appears to be China-bound at breathtaking speed.—
Peter Lyon,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
Verb
-
At equivalent levels of GDP per capita, India is generating more solar electricity, using far less coal and electrifying transport faster than China did.—
Ingmar Rentzhog,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
-
For sports fans, especially those worshipful of King Eric, this is pure cinematic cocaine, neatly chopped out, electrifying at first although too much of it could leave you feeling jaded and jangly.—
Leslie Felperin,
HollywoodReporter,
15 May 2026
Adjective
-
An interesting wine list includes English sparkling wines like Hundred Hills, and there are 5,000 more bottles in the cellar.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 May 2026
-
The psychologist found these analogies interesting.—
Weike Wang,
New Yorker,
17 May 2026
Adjective
-
All three are intriguing and versatile forwards who are all entering at least their 10th seasons next year.—
Law Murray,
New York Times,
18 May 2026
-
On the other hand, pushing against this inevitability is a much more intriguing concept than simply presenting it as-is, over and over again, even when its specifics are disguised by a fable.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
IndieWire,
18 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Exhilarating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exhilarating. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
