as in breathtaking
causing great emotional or mental stimulation
naive, young men who had once regarded the thought of going off to war as an intoxicating notion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in thrilling
to cause a pleasurable stimulation of the feelings
the stunning spectacle of this Las Vegas show is sure to intoxicate spectators
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in exciting
to fill with great joy
she was intoxicated by the news that she'd gotten the job of her dreams
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 intoxicating
Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 17 Apr. 2026
Topical products like creams, lotions and balms can still be sold as well, along with non-intoxicating CBD products that fall within the legal threshold.
—Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Mar. 2026
The verdict The JW Marriott Tokyo confidently blends understated style with a sense of Japanese refinement, and the result is a tranquil, enchanting space in the beating heart of one of the world’s most intoxicating cities.
—Stephen Kelly, TheWeek, 26 Mar. 2026
But on closer examination the aluminum can wasn't juice, soda or any other non-intoxicating beverage.
—David K. Li, NBC news, 26 Feb. 2026
The film’s early images — lush fairways, orderly golf course rituals, bodies moving through a dewy, manicured world of leisure — project an intoxicating, utopian calm.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 14 Feb. 2026
What makes Bridgerton so intoxicating?
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 28 Jan. 2026
The hemp industry arose from the 2018 Farm Bill that legalized non-intoxicating hemp, but also allowed intoxicating derivative cannabinoids such as delta-8-, delta-9 and delta-10 THC.
—Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026
Sometimes just the idea of a planner—that one little book could solve all your executive-function issues—can be more intoxicating than the thing itself.
—Hilton Als, New Yorker, 16 Jan. 2026
Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 4 May 2026
The result is messy, intoxicating, and occasionally cruel, as such situation(ship)s often are.
—David Opie, IndieWire, 4 May 2026
Kunga Zangpo’s warning aside, intoxicating beverages have long been valued in Nubri society.
—Geoff Childs, The Conversation, 1 May 2026
True, blasting a long, straight drive is intoxicating, but using a layout to strategize your approach?
—Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald, 30 Apr. 2026
In 2005, Jackson was charged with 10 counts, including child molestation, intoxicating a minor with alcohol, and conspiracy, involvingn 13-year-old Gavin Arvizo.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2026
In the golden light of evening, with the background hum of cicadas and the scent of immortelle and lavender on the breeze, the effect is intoxicating—even before your Murtoli Negroni.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
Such behavior has proved deeply disturbing to restaurant owners that had depended on intoxicating beverages to make up for small margins on food sales.
—Lois K. Solomon, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2026
Vince’s volatility could be both maddening and intoxicating.
—Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
Manufacturers must also provide a certificate of analysis confirming the product is 99% made up of non-intoxicating compounds, such as CBD or CBN.
—Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 17 Apr. 2026
Topical products like creams, lotions and balms can still be sold as well, along with non-intoxicating CBD products that fall within the legal threshold.
—Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Mar. 2026
The verdict The JW Marriott Tokyo confidently blends understated style with a sense of Japanese refinement, and the result is a tranquil, enchanting space in the beating heart of one of the world’s most intoxicating cities.
—Stephen Kelly, TheWeek, 26 Mar. 2026
But on closer examination the aluminum can wasn't juice, soda or any other non-intoxicating beverage.
—David K. Li, NBC news, 26 Feb. 2026
The film’s early images — lush fairways, orderly golf course rituals, bodies moving through a dewy, manicured world of leisure — project an intoxicating, utopian calm.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 14 Feb. 2026
What makes Bridgerton so intoxicating?
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 28 Jan. 2026
The hemp industry arose from the 2018 Farm Bill that legalized non-intoxicating hemp, but also allowed intoxicating derivative cannabinoids such as delta-8-, delta-9 and delta-10 THC.
—Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026
Sometimes just the idea of a planner—that one little book could solve all your executive-function issues—can be more intoxicating than the thing itself.
—Hilton Als, New Yorker, 16 Jan. 2026
Verb
Gardenias bring a certain elegance to porch containers, with evergreen foliage and intoxicating fragrance.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 4 May 2026
The result is messy, intoxicating, and occasionally cruel, as such situation(ship)s often are.
—David Opie, IndieWire, 4 May 2026
Kunga Zangpo’s warning aside, intoxicating beverages have long been valued in Nubri society.
—Geoff Childs, The Conversation, 1 May 2026
True, blasting a long, straight drive is intoxicating, but using a layout to strategize your approach?
—Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald, 30 Apr. 2026
In 2005, Jackson was charged with 10 counts, including child molestation, intoxicating a minor with alcohol, and conspiracy, involvingn 13-year-old Gavin Arvizo.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2026
In the golden light of evening, with the background hum of cicadas and the scent of immortelle and lavender on the breeze, the effect is intoxicating—even before your Murtoli Negroni.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
Such behavior has proved deeply disturbing to restaurant owners that had depended on intoxicating beverages to make up for small margins on food sales.
—Lois K. Solomon, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2026
Vince’s volatility could be both maddening and intoxicating.
—Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intoxicating
Adjective
-
The clear turquoise waters of the Outer Hebrides are breathtaking–freezing–but breathtaking!—
Riza Cruz,
Vogue,
11 May 2026
-
The park was established in 1910 and features seemingly endless acres of rugged and breathtaking landscapes and historic national park lodges.—
Dave Parfitt,
USA Today,
9 May 2026
Verb
-
On Friday, Victor Wembanyama led San Antonio to victory with a thrilling performance, scoring 39 points on 72% shooting while grabbing 15 rebounds and blocking five shots.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
11 May 2026
-
However many corners of entertainment Cage and company are drawing from, the result is a thrilling universe all its own.—
Marcus Jones,
IndieWire,
11 May 2026
Verb
-
Major Wilson, 17, has been around horses most of his life and now spends much of his time helping younger riders get ready, showing them how to saddle their horses without exciting them.—
Jhair Romero,
Houston Chronicle,
26 Feb. 2026
-
For Harrington and her husband Dante, the thought of triplets was shocking but exciting all the same.—
Daniella Gray,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
From there, both fighters were trading blows, but the fifth round was when Strickland had an interesting moment with Chimaev.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
10 May 2026
-
Welcome to Taste Test, where every week our critic Jonah Flicker explores the most buzzworthy and interesting whiskeys in the world.—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
10 May 2026
Verb
-
If elected, Cohen told this editorial board his top three priorities will be reducing the cost of home building; addressing the gaps in health care coverage created by recent federal cuts to Medi-Cal; and electrifying our economy to reduce carbon emissions.—
Mercury News & East Bay Times Editorial Boards,
Mercury News,
8 May 2026
-
Set during the Great Depression, this electrifying musical follows two dreamers whose desire for more leads them into legend and danger.—
Staff report,
Oc Register,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
On top of that, there were times when the show’s polish crossed over the line from exhilarating to over-managed.—
Théoden Janes,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Apr. 2026
-
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
Adjective
-
Businessman and real estate agent Dan Thornberg has an intriguing sales pitch for a house he’s just listed.—
Pamela McLoughlin,
Hartford Courant,
12 May 2026
-
Wagler is particularly intriguing as a big guard who could potentially fit next to Garland in the short term as a backup and in the long term as a shooting guard.—
Law Murray,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Intoxicating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intoxicating. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
