EXHILARATING Synonyms: 92 Similar and Opposite Words

exhilarating 1 of 2

adjective

ig-ˈzi-lə-ˌrā-tiŋ

Definition of exhilarating

as in exciting

causing great emotional or mental stimulation no recording can capture the exhilarating feeling of being at a live rock concert

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

exhilarating

2 of 2

verb

present participle of exhilarate

as in thrilling

to cause a pleasurable stimulation of the feelings the exhilarating feeling of flying that hang gliding offers

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in intoxicating

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 exhilarating

Adjective

What makes this such an exhilarating watch is how the performers navigate every passive-aggressive aside, every catty comment, every choice bit of annoying behavior played for laughs, pathos, or both at once. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 26 June 2026 On an electric, exhilarating and cruel day in the Bay Area, Balogun made enough noise to become America’s newest soccer star. — Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 2 July 2026

Verb

The series trademark mix of cool cars, exhilarating street racing action, and family-like camaraderie has also turned more than a few moviegoers into passionate auto enthusiasts. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 2 Mar. 2026 The pure potential of nuclear technology was exhilarating to contemplate in the abstract, but the ideas of science fiction are not always so smoothly integrated into the messy reality of the real world. — Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 11 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exhilarating

Recent Examples of Synonyms for exhilarating

Adjective

The result is a chain of polite, yet simultaneously radical buildings with an exciting contour resembling a mountainous landscape – adding ‘bergen’ in De Bergen!

— Bridget Borgobello July 04, New Atlas, 4 July 2026
The modern building is an exciting addition to the Fort Worth Cultural District and people are situated in backs around the lobby.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 July 2026

Definition of exciting

Verb

Staying home might not readily provide the intoxicating beauty Emerson describes.

— Isabel Fattal, The Atlantic, 4 July 2026
Inspired by Aztec temple offerings of tuberose, magnolia, plumeria, and marigold made at the altars of the gods, Flor y Canto fills a room with its intoxicating sillage.

— Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 28 June 2026

Definition of intoxicating

Adjective

Set high above the town with breathtaking sea views from all 27 suites and 13 private villas (which are individually staffed), La Réserve offers serenity and discretion—all while being just a few minutes' drive from Pampelonne Beach.

— Karli Poliziani, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 July 2026
As Americans reflect on our 250-year history as a sovereign nation, there's no better time to appreciate the breathtaking natural beauty the country offers.

— Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026

Definition of breathtaking

Verb

This electrifying new production celebrates the women who dared to be bold, courageous, and wholly themselves—and in doing so, became truly iconic.

— Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 26 June 2026
Alex Freeman emerged as a breakout star of this young World Cup, scoring an electrifying goal in America’s big win over Australia last week.

— David K. Li, NBC news, 25 June 2026

Definition of electrifying

Adjective

One interesting trend is that this tournament will feature some very good tight ends, a position that has become increasingly important in college football and the NFL but not so much in high school football in the era of spread offenses.

— Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
But perhaps the most interesting aspect of this news is the potential military applications for this new engine.

— Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 4 July 2026

Definition of interesting

Adjective

This July will include an intriguing mix of madcap comedies, sweeping action epics and independent fare hoping to get as many viewers into theaters — or in front of their televisions — as possible.

— David Faris, TheWeek, 6 July 2026
But there are some very intriguing narratives in play after the genre of TV went through a renaissance this year.

— Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 6 July 2026

Definition of intriguing

Browse Nearby Words

exhilarates

exhilarating

exhilaration

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Exhilarating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exhilarating. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of exhilarating

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on exhilarating

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

gambol

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes