exhilarate

verb

ig-ˈzi-lə-ˌrāt How to pronounce exhilarate (audio)
Definition of exhilaratenext
1
as in to thrill
to cause a pleasurable stimulation of the feelings the exhilarating feeling of flying that hang gliding offers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to excite
to fill with great joy the climactic moment of commencement ceremonies usually exhilarates graduates and proud parents alike

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 exhilarate Set at a castle deep in the Scottish Highlands, this nail-biting psychological adventure sees contestants work together on a series of exhilarating missions to build a prize fund worth up to $250,000. — Katie Campione, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026 Would the audience member’s sexuality affect the experience, turning it from something exhilarating into something threatening? — Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026 So we were headed for a weird, wild, exhilarating finish, all right. — Jayson Stark, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026 Some analysts are exhilarated at the prospect of a world-changing paradigm shift. — Josh Brown,sean Russo, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exhilarate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exhilarate
  1. thrill
  2. excite
  3. electrify
  4. delight
  5. elate
  6. intoxicate
Verb
  • Their darkness and surreality narrow your attention and enhance your connection to their stunning, futuristic artifacts, turning a familiar experience into a thrilling journey.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Taylor was thrilled to see Mendoza take his opportunity to shoot the ball.
    — Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of thrill
Verb
  • After a two-year wait, Apple has updated the iPad mini with a huge spec and performance bump that should excite fans of the pocketable tablet.
    — Eric Zeman, PC Magazine, 28 Oct. 2026
  • With the whole crew excited about the McCarthy news, Kevin sent a pic to the group chat featuring an image of a giant TV with the announcement on it.
    — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of excite
Verb
  • The Cougars stuffed all the ways Utah likes to run the ball until Dampier took matters into his own hands and posted a season high in rushing in electrifying style.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Under Porter's direction, the ensemble mines every beat for honest friction, turning a century-old battle over dignity and artistic ownership into an electrifying stage presence.
    — La'Tasha Givens, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of electrify
Verb
  • Susan Saint James, the Emmy-winning actress who delighted TV viewers with her light-hearted turns on The Name of the Game, McMillan & Wife and Kate & Allie before quitting at the peak of her powers, has died.
    — Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 27 Oct. 2026
  • His designs continue to delight and inspire through his use of pattern, textures and color that now goes beyond signature knitwear.
    — Emily Mercer, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of delight
Verb
  • There were decisions that would elate or devastate players.
    — Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 24 May 2026
  • This helped convince the administration to shift to their side, elating students, especially Simpson.
    — Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026
Definition of elate
Verb
  • The network reportedly is paying between half to two-thirds of the $72 million remaining on the contract after parting with Romo last month, two months after his arrest in Wisconsin on charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback pleaded no contest to charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of intoxicate

Browse Nearby Words

exhibits
exhilarate
exhilarated
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Cite this Entry

“Exhilarate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exhilarate. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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