excite

Definition of excitenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb excite contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of excite are pique, provoke, quicken, and stimulate. While all these words mean "to arouse as if by pricking," excite implies a stirring up or moving profoundly.

news that excited anger and frustration

When might pique be a better fit than excite?

Although the words pique and excite have much in common, pique suggests stimulating by mild irritation or challenge.

that remark piqued my interest

Where would provoke be a reasonable alternative to excite?

The meanings of provoke and excite largely overlap; however, provoke directs attention to the response called forth.

my stories usually provoke laughter

In what contexts can quicken take the place of excite?

The synonyms quicken and excite are sometimes interchangeable, but quicken implies beneficially stimulating and making active or lively.

the high salary quickened her desire to have the job

When is stimulate a more appropriate choice than excite?

The words stimulate and excite are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, stimulate suggests a rousing out of lethargy, quiescence, or indifference.

stimulating conversation

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 excite What excites me most is helping build the next generation of Australian America’s Cup sailors, designers and engineers, while creating a long-term foundation for Australia in the modern era of the Cup. Bill Springer, Forbes.com, 14 May 2026 If that doesn’t excite you, nothing will. Sean Joseph Outkick, FOXNews.com, 14 May 2026 What excites you most about Ashes premiering soon? Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2026 That’s where Don is, too, and that excites me. Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for excite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for excite
Verb
  • We are also thrilled to be working with Nour Films in France!
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 13 May 2026
  • On Friday, Victor Wembanyama led San Antonio to victory with a thrilling performance, scoring 39 points on 72% shooting while grabbing 15 rebounds and blocking five shots.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 11 May 2026
Verb
  • Similar summaries of the show in the magazine Soap Opera Digest provoked outrage within the fledgling magazine’s readership.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
  • On May 18, Venus will conclude its journey through the flirtatious and thought-provoking sign of Gemini and enter the sentimental and hopeless romantic sign of Cancer.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 18 May 2026
Verb
  • Demoustier stars as a penniless young woman called Suzanne working on the ‘Venus Electrificata’ sideshow of a traveling fair meting out electrifying kisses to unsuspecting paying bystanders, while secretly being charged with electricity.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 12 May 2026
  • What starts as one state utility trying to see its own network more clearly could end up as part of the blueprint for how the developing world electrifies its future.
    Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026
Verb
  • Responding to comments, asking for feedback, and giving shout-outs to active viewers fosters a sense of community and encourages continued engagement.
    Adam Rumanek, Rolling Stone, 15 May 2026
  • Techniques such as reinforcement learning from human feedback encourage the model toward preferred responses.
    Sandeep Shilawat, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.
    Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 19 May 2026
  • Good times with children will delight you.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 19 May 2026
Verb
  • Certain exercises can help slow bone loss and stimulate bone growth.
    RikkiLynn Shields Hannigan, Health, 14 May 2026
  • The real show, however, takes place on the surface, as the big, meaty bugs stimulate some of the hottest topwater action of the year.
    Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • While Kendrick Lamar was conquering the hip-hop world, Rashad was honing an introspective style inspired by Southern hip-hop pioneers like Lil Wayne and OutKast.
    Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 15 May 2026
  • And, if bright white pants aren’t your thing, keep reading for off-white styles inspired by Martha Stewart and Joanna Gaines.
    Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • Bell is a revelation as the nebbish, envious and conflictedly aroused Niall — a desperate man hiding from others and himself.
    Randy Myers, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Payment processors aren’t idiots, and a huge number of new charges was likely to arouse suspicion.
    Nate Anderson, ArsTechnica, 13 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Excite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/excite. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on excite

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster