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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of frisson
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
Its background, a pale yellow gradient, still gives me a slight frisson, like a Playboy issue hidden under the bed.
—Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 30 Apr. 2025
And yet there was little news in it, beyond the frisson of excitement at the beginning when Al Green, a Texas Democrat, was thrown out of the chamber for protesting.
—Susan B. Glasser, The New Yorker, 5 Mar. 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
Dennis Harvey, Variety, 3 July 2025
Its background, a pale yellow gradient, still gives me a slight frisson, like a Playboy issue hidden under the bed.
—Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 30 Apr. 2025
And yet there was little news in it, beyond the frisson of excitement at the beginning when Al Green, a Texas Democrat, was thrown out of the chamber for protesting.
—Susan B. Glasser, The New Yorker, 5 Mar. 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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In fact, so many must-haves are available at Amazon that’ll thrill your travel-loving friends—just look at the Loop Quiet 2 Ear Plugs for $21 or the super hydrating Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask for $24.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Nov. 2025
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Though every note was pitch perfect both times, Erivo actually flew over the Dolby twice to sing the final portion of the modern classic — to the thrill of the audience, some of whom were in tears watching the star soar both physically and vocally.—
Patrick Gomez,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Any kick that is caught or lands in the landing zone must be returned, while any kick that falls short of the landing zone will be ruled a touchback and spotted at the returning team’s 40-yard line.—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
11 Nov. 2025
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The spicy tuna had a gentle kick, the macadamia nuts added a pleasant crunch, and the maguro and unagi on top tied everything together with a subtle richness.—
Evan Moore
November 11,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Frisson.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frisson. Accessed 27 Nov. 2025.
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