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
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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
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Recent Examples of exhilarating
Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 6 June 2026
The 700 Sky retains the same sporty spirit, of course, with a sleek, lightweight hull and a beastly powertrain ensuring exhilarating performance.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 3 June 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
Ravishing and exhilarating, The Handmaiden is about both intimate love and crude obscenity, which Chan-wook expertly balances to complement each other well.
—Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 6 June 2026
The 700 Sky retains the same sporty spirit, of course, with a sleek, lightweight hull and a beastly powertrain ensuring exhilarating performance.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 3 June 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
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The moon in Aries also energizes your 11th house of friendships and future plans, so a social event or opportunity could feel exciting.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
9 June 2026
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While the combination of editor Sarah Broshar’s relentless pacing and John Williams’ full-bodied score (which stands among the veteran composer’s finest) makes for an exciting watch throughout, the breathless action sequences are especially thrilling.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
9 June 2026
Verb
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But outside of a thrilling two-legged 2022 World Cup qualification tie against Nigeria, there have been few standout moments from the past five years.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
10 June 2026
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The cars are too big to race well, but the competition for pole position is thrilling.—
Jonathan M. Gitlin,
ArsTechnica,
8 June 2026
Verb
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On fragrance profiles, the debut eaux de parfum each took a bold approach, leaving behind a trail of intoxicating notes wherever the wearer strolled.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
3 June 2026
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Following the second test, Grimaldi was arrested, and he was charged with operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor.—
Rick Sobey,
Boston Herald,
3 June 2026
Adjective
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The views are breathtaking, and its history is rich.—
Bri Buckley,
CBS News,
8 June 2026
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As part of a new project highlighting breathtaking — and sometimes overlooked — sights across the country, here are some of the Golden State's stunning scenic spots.—
Kristin Scharkey,
USA Today,
8 June 2026
Verb
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The Rockies scored five runs in the ninth on a three-run home run by Hunter Goodman and a walk-off, two-run homer by Ezequiel Tovar to shock the Giants in an electrifying 8-6 win at Coors Field.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
30 May 2026
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Club officials envisioned a trade for Ohtani as transformative, elevating their team to a legitimate World Series contender, electrifying their dormant market.—
Ken Rosenthal,
The Orlando Sentinel,
29 May 2026
Adjective
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There's a joyously wacky energy to this broad comedy on the whole, giving Rudd an interesting arc to play.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
7 June 2026
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And all this other stuff is interesting, the arch and the other things that bother us.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
7 June 2026
Adjective
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All of this might seem a lot to go through for a few short words, but since those words are the first impression of the book, and have to be intriguing all on their own, the effort was well worthwhile—enough, hopefully, to invite readers to pick up the book and make their own decision.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 June 2026
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But on a court these are the driving forces for a hugely intriguing matchup as Wemby enters what is all but a must-win game while Team Brunson tries to all but put it away.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
8 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Exhilarating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exhilarating. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
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