exhilarating 1 of 2

adjective

ig-ˈzi-lə-ˌrā-tiŋ How to pronounce exhilarating (audio)
Definition of exhilaratingnext
as in exciting
causing great emotional or mental stimulation no recording can capture the exhilarating feeling of being at a live rock concert

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

exhilarating

2 of 2

verb

present participle of exhilarate
1
as in thrilling
to cause a pleasurable stimulation of the feelings the exhilarating feeling of flying that hang gliding offers

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

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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
No wonder the action sequences never seem exhilarating — Latif may be adept at staying alive, but the sanctity of his soul is another matter entirely. — Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026 The Weapons and Barbarian writer-director’s exhilarating, goofy franchise debut is remarkably straightforward, taking audiences on a propulsive ride along with a poor sap who is about to have the worst day in his life. — Joshua Rivera, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026
Verb
Each adventure is led by experienced guides and designed to balance exhilarating physical challenge with the serene grandeur of the desert landscape. — Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 The philosophical qualities that define Lindelof’s best work, as well as his stories’ exhilarating strangeness, get lost in the jumble of voices. — Judy Berman, Time, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exhilarating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exhilarating
  1. exciting
  2. thrilling
  3. intoxicating
  4. breathtaking
  5. electrifying
  6. interesting
  7. intriguing
Adjective
  • An unopened box may look exciting when it is surrounded by balloons, friends and the smell of cake.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
  • They're packaged quite perfectly for gift-giving in a gift set of four mini bars that are just as exciting to unwrap as an (edible) holiday treat.
    — Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of exciting
Verb
  • The Miami Hurricanes rallied from a second-half deficit for a thrilling 43-35, come-from-behind double overtime victory over the Florida State Seminoles on Saturday at Hard Rock Stadium.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Buffalo is coming off a thrilling overtime win over the Los Angeles Rams on Monday Night Football.
    — Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of thrilling
Verb
  • Maybe that’s what tips her into some recklessness of her own, with an explanation of Hal’s forceful personality and brilliant rhetorical style as being intoxicating.
    — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Right now intoxicating hemp products can be sold in North Carolina with no statewide age limit.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of intoxicating
Adjective
  • Princess Rajwa was the star of the day, of course, in her breathtaking gown by Elie Saab.
    — Stephanie Bridger-Linning, Vanity Fair, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Canaletto, a prominent member of the Venetian school, is best known for his breathtaking oil paintings of Venice and London.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of breathtaking
Verb
  • After its electrifying premiere, there were quickly reports that A24 is focused on a Best Picture campaign for the film in large part because the Academy’s fusty Documentary Branch may opt not to nominate it for Best Documentary Feature.
    — Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The Minnesota Lynx's electrifying guard, Olivia Miles, has been named the Kia WNBA Rookie of the Year.
    — Cole Premo, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of electrifying
Adjective
  • Those are impressive numbers, but the interesting part is how Creality has arrived at them.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2026
  • And here’s where your Social Security concern gets interesting.
    — Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of interesting
Adjective
  • The Patriots will finish second in the West Valley League and could be an intriguing first-round matchup in the City Section Open Division playoffs.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
  • For now, this is an intriguing proof of concept, a tantalizing glimpse of what electric mobility might look like someday, and a technology wrapped in enough engineering jargon to make the average driver’s eyes glaze over.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of intriguing

Browse Nearby Words

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exhilarating
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Cite this Entry

“Exhilarating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exhilarating. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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