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
1
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
2
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
Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 31 Jan. 2026
Zamiri splices the movie with colorful strobes that nod to her concert Jumbotrons while making the point that stardom is exhilarating and disorienting.
—Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026
Tim Grierson, Rolling Stone, 6 Jan. 2026
Big in-game comebacks are exhilarating – and exhausting.
—Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for exhilarating
Adjective
Noah Kahan‘s exhilarating year following the breakout success of multi-platinum album Stick Season is the focus of a forthcoming documentary feature.
—Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 31 Jan. 2026
Zamiri splices the movie with colorful strobes that nod to her concert Jumbotrons while making the point that stardom is exhilarating and disorienting.
—Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
Now considered one of the greatest films of all time, Sátántangó is both an endurance test and a religious experience for those who submit to its demanding, exhilarating aesthetic.
—Tim Grierson, Rolling Stone, 6 Jan. 2026
Big in-game comebacks are exhilarating – and exhausting.
—Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for exhilarating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exhilarating
Adjective
-
The park offers one of the most exciting wildlife experiences in Southern Africa, with a million acres of biodiverse savannas, wetlands, and montane rainforests, and a range of animals that includes buffalo herds, lion prides, and an array of birds.—
Lisa Grainger,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 Feb. 2026
-
That changed two years ago, when the ISU lifted its ban in a bid to make the sport more exciting and popular among younger fans.—
Fernanda Figueroa,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
For decades, Bonaly’s thrilling move could only be witnessed at exhibitions.—
Fernanda Figueroa,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Feb. 2026
-
How quickly, how brutally, things had unravelled after the buzz of making the breakthrough in such thrilling fashion.—
James Pearce,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Since hemp is non-intoxicating the state must address recreational marijuana policy, which is used for psychoactive effects.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
-
Yes, nostalgia is intoxicating, but the gut usually knows the real truth.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate reacted to that breathtaking strike by putting their hands on their head in disbelief.—
James Pearce,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
-
With thousands of romantic restaurants, breathtaking views, and honeymoon-ready hotels, the Eternal City tops a new global list.—
Kristine Hansen,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Finnsson added that the costs of using cleaner fuels or electrifying fleets have also prompted resistance.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
9 Feb. 2026
-
During his electrifying performance, Bad Bunny brought out Ricky Martin and Lady Gaga.—
Maya Georgi,
Rolling Stone,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
And Riera — who has arrived from NK Celje in Slovenia — is an interesting person.—
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
-
What’s interesting is the NBA has moved away from some events that either have become stale or manipulated, such as the skills competition giving way at next week’s All-Star Weekend.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Even a seeming villain like Dunster’s Archie gets intriguing shading over the course of the season.—
David Canfield,
HollywoodReporter,
9 Feb. 2026
-
And what an intriguing story regarding 28-0 Elsinore.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Exhilarating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exhilarating. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
