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
  • Horror genres While horror is a genre itself, some sub-genres deliver different thrills than others.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026
  • New à la carte dining options complement the waterpark thrills at Low Tide Smoke, a barbecue restaurant, Catch of the Cay, a seafood-centric eatery, and Tidal Treats, which has ice cream and desserts.
    Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Mason Mount went off injured in the first half yesterday, a substitution Carrick said was precautionary after a kick.
    Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Smack made kicks from 33, 35, 38, 43, 45 and 47 yards and missed wide left from 51.
    Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Titillation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/titillation. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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