titillation

Definition of titillationnext
as in thrill
a pleasurably intense stimulation of the feelings a cultural critic who argues that people have become too dependent upon the instant gratification and titillation that television and the Internet provide

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 titillation Kristi Noem, the head of the Department of Homeland Security, posed in front of a group of immigrants sent to a torture site in El Salvador, in a show of sadistic titillation. Ta-Nehisi Coates, Vanity Fair, 26 Jan. 2026 Turning our back on data would remove any outside accountability, leave policymakers driving a car without map or road, and lead the country to a place where the titillation of conspiracy and cherry-picked numbers become the only barometer of what’s real. Abby McCloskey, Twin Cities, 4 Jan. 2026 Historically, Minter said, such paintings were a sanctioned form of titillation. Dana Goodyear, New Yorker, 8 Dec. 2025 But the companies that were early to embrace mature AI also encountered legal and societal minefields and harmful abuse as a growing number of people have turned to the technology for companionship or titillation. Dave Smith, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2025 There were moments of incredible intimacy as well as moments of titillation and moments of danger. Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 8 Oct. 2025 That’s a sad thing for fashion, because fashion is about titillation and should be fun. James Fallon, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for titillation
Noun
  • Getting to actually live this dream for real is a one-of-one life experience, and the thrill of this type of adventure sets my heart on fire!
    Terry Terrones, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Targeted at younger folks and beginners, all three promise proper dirt-bike thrills without the noise, fuel, or maintenance of an ICE motorcycle.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Smith did make an impact on special teams with a 57-yard kick return.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 29 Aug. 2026
  • In a back-and-forth game that featured seven lead changes, Parker hit the second-biggest kick of his high school career to put the Rams back on top at the end.
    Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Titillation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/titillation. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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