exhilaration

noun

ex·​hil·​a·​ra·​tion ig-ˌzi-lə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce exhilaration (audio)
Synonyms of exhilarationnext
1
: the action of exhilarating
2
: the feeling or the state of being exhilarated

Synonyms of exhilaration

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Examples of exhilaration in a Sentence

I felt a kind of exhilaration when I reached the top of the mountain. the lavish spectacle results in one exhilaration after another
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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.
But when the exhilaration of change had ceased, London was no good. — Literary Hub, 10 June 2026 The exhilaration of ever so briefly catching a wave was electric. — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 2026 Dabbling in crime provides the exhilaration Morgan longs for. — Erin Jensen, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2026 Pumping iron, and apparently the exhilaration of combat, has got this 67-year-old plenty revved up. — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for exhilaration

Word History

First Known Use

1622, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of exhilaration was in 1622

Rhymes for exhilaration

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Browse Nearby Words

exhilarating
exhilaration
exhilarative
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Cite this Entry

“Exhilaration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exhilaration. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

exhilaration

noun
ex·​hil·​a·​ra·​tion ig-ˌzil-ə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce exhilaration (audio)
1
: the action of exhilarating
2
: the state or the feeling of being exhilarated : high spirits

More from Merriam-Webster on exhilaration

Nglish: Translation of exhilaration for Spanish Speakers

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