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 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 By the morning of December 17, exhilarated from the effort, they were convinced their idea was correct. — Leila Sloman, Quanta Magazine, 31 Aug. 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
  • Rath had said he would be thrilled if 30% of Albertans voted to begin the separation process.
    — Rob Gillies, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Welcome back to the Times of Troy newsletter, where I am thrilled to be writing to you today after a harrowing couple of weeks at the Kartje household.
    — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of thrill
Verb
  • Recent developments, such as Meta's Muse personal agent app and its latest proprietary foundation model, Muse Wonder, released earlier this week, have begun to excite investors who are optimistic about new AI business opportunities.
    — Kif Leswing,Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026
  • And, continuing their hot streak, Celine and Chanel have buyers excited about next season’s ready-to-wear and accessory sales.
    — Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of excite
Verb
  • There are other ways to discover rebates and financial incentives to electrify your home by zip code, region, and through state programs.
    — Molly McCrea, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Hicks drove the next pitch to right-center for a 3-0 lead, electrifying the towel-waving, cowbell-ringing crowd of 32,125 fans at Tropicana Field.
    — Rob Maaddi, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of electrify
Verb
  • There are other niceties too, like room for luminous tritium vials on a spinning module that should delight eager fidgeters, and the SceptriX's ability to strike up a spark with a separate ferro rod and light a fire.
    — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Those would prove to be the final points the Jayhawks’ offense produced in a 35-24 loss to the Wildcats, a result that delighted the K-State faithful who had booed Edwards during the contest.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 18 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
  • Drivers can injure or even kill another driver or a pedestrian on the street while intoxicated or compromised.
    — Brian Sherrod, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Wyatt was first charged with driving while intoxicated in December 2023.
    — Isaac Yu, Houston Chronicle, 16 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 21 Oct. 2026.

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