as in thrill
a pleasurably intense stimulation of the feelings
those two are still caught up in the giddy frisson of a new romance
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Recent Examples of frisson
There was a frisson of excitement.
—
Jay Glennie, HollywoodReporter, 19 Sep. 2025
This in itself makes a refreshing change from the usual baffling Marvel McGuffin, and even though the outcome is wholly predictable, there’s a definite frisson in the sight of The Herald’s liquid-metal hand trying to snatch Sue’s baby from the womb.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 22 July 2025
At some kind of reception in a high-end Manhattan hotel, guest Sophie (Silverstone) claps eyes on cater waiter Elliot (Glusman), creating immediate mutual frisson.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 3 July 2025
When the wearer’s partner touches his or her smartphone—the sensitive regions are helpfully indicated on a template on the phone’s screen—the wearer feels a gentle frisson, or even a light stroke, depending on whether the partner has touched or swiped the screen.
—IEEE Spectrum, 11 Mar. 2014
See All Example Sentences for frisson
Jay Glennie, HollywoodReporter, 19 Sep. 2025
This in itself makes a refreshing change from the usual baffling Marvel McGuffin, and even though the outcome is wholly predictable, there’s a definite frisson in the sight of The Herald’s liquid-metal hand trying to snatch Sue’s baby from the womb.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 22 July 2025
At some kind of reception in a high-end Manhattan hotel, guest Sophie (Silverstone) claps eyes on cater waiter Elliot (Glusman), creating immediate mutual frisson.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 3 July 2025
When the wearer’s partner touches his or her smartphone—the sensitive regions are helpfully indicated on a template on the phone’s screen—the wearer feels a gentle frisson, or even a light stroke, depending on whether the partner has touched or swiped the screen.
—IEEE Spectrum, 11 Mar. 2014
See All Example Sentences for frisson
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frisson
Noun
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What to Expect at Morgan’s Wonderland Forget the long lines and high-octane thrills typical of traditional amusement parks.—
Sarah Gilliland,
Southern Living,
20 Jan. 2026
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The Bears and Caleb Williams gave us more thrills.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 Jan. 2026
Noun
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For those who love the chicken with a little kick, this creamy, extra flavorful casserole will win over anyone at the table.—
Nellah Bailey McGough,
Southern Living,
7 Jan. 2026
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Add a pinch of cayenne, cumin, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a zesty, savory twist that gives your morning a flavorful kick.—
Lauren O'Connor,
Health,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Frisson.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frisson. Accessed 27 Jan. 2026.
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