Synonyms of exhilarating

exhilarating 1 of 2

adjective

ig-ˈzi-lə-ˌrā-tiŋ 

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

• exciting
• breathtaking
• thrilling
• interesting
• intriguing
• inspiring
• electrifying
• intoxicating
• electric
• gripping
• fascinating
• provocative
• mind-blowing
• galvanizing
• galvanic
• mind-bending
• rousing
• stimulating
• mind-boggling
• rip-roaring
• heart-stopping
• exhilarative
• kicky
• lively
• hair-raising
• riveting
• stirring
• absorbing
• tantalizing
• engrossing
• enchanting
• enthralling
• charged
• moving
• titillating
• touching
• poignant
• spellbinding
• arresting
• dynamic
• energetic
• high-voltage
• kinetic
• lusty

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• tedious
• boring
• tiresome
• unexciting
• dull
• monotonous
• uninteresting
• dreary
• mind-numbing
• humdrum

exhilarating

2 of 2

verb

present participle of exhilarate

1

as in thrilling

to cause a pleasurable stimulation of the feelings

the exhilarating feeling of flying that hang gliding offers

Synonyms & Similar Words

• thrilling
• exciting
• electrifying
• intoxicating
• intriguing
• inspiring
• delighting
• galvanizing
• titillating
• enchanting
• turning on
• riveting
• stimulating
• arousing
• interesting
• provoking
• captivating
• charging
• mesmerizing
• charming
• pumping up
• inciting
• bewitching
• tantalizing
• spellbinding
• enthralling
• hypnotizing

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• boring
• tiring
• wearying
• discouraging
• palling
• disheartening
• demoralizing
• dispiriting
• jading
• dejecting

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

• exciting
• intoxicating
• elating
• delighting
• pleasing
• satisfying
• enrapturing
• uplifting
• elevating
• stimulating
• inspiring
• transporting
• gratifying
• warming
• rejoicing
• commoving
• contenting
• gladdening

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• depressing
• discouraging
• disheartening
• distressing
• demoralizing
• dispiriting
• oppressing
• saddening

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of exhilarating

Adjective

After the exhilarating experience, travelers can sit down with locals and come together over Dominican staples such as pollo guisado, tostones, and mangú. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 July 2026

Even as these exhilarating talents have reenergized the game and risen above their peers, they’ve been brought low by injuries, doping scandals, and self-doubt. — Josh Levin, The Atlantic, 9 July 2026

Verb

The expanse of the American West lends a scope and majesty to the frame, while smooth transitions between 2D and 3D animation make the horse-racing scenes exhilarating. — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 27 Mar. 2026

But a star athlete’s return from serious injury is a component of the fan experience that can be exhilarating on a different level. — Steve Buckley, New York Times, 18 Mar. 2026