exhilaration

noun

ig-ˌzi-lə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce exhilaration (audio)
Definition of exhilarationnext
1
as in thrill
a pleasurably intense stimulation of the feelings the lavish spectacle results in one exhilaration after another

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in ecstasy
a state of overwhelming usually pleasurable emotion the exhilaration of victory that spectators get to witness at the Olympic Games

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 exhilaration Nguyen tenderly captures the lightness, freedom and exhilaration of being in water and reigning over the waves, rules of gravity be damned. — Tomris Laffly, Variety, 13 May 2026 Vegas Golden Knights forward Tomáš Hertl roared in exhilaration. — Jesse Granger, New York Times, 2 June 2026 Only a few will experience the exhilaration of victory. — Peter Folan, Boston Herald, 23 May 2026 Since 2004, Far Cry has more than 100 million unique players and is one of Ubisoft’s most popular franchises, known for the exhilaration of the first-person shootouts, organic open world playgrounds, unique stories and memorable antagonists. — Katie Campione, Deadline, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for exhilaration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exhilaration
  1. thrill
  2. ecstasy
  3. kick
  4. joy
  5. elation
  6. happiness
  7. euphoria
  8. heaven
Noun
  • Universal Kids Resort was built for young families — not thrill seekers.
    — Eve Chen, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • Universal Islands of Adventure rounded out the top five, remaining one of the country's premier destinations for thrill-seekers.
    — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of thrill
Noun
  • The album covers hardstyle, new age pop, and operatic folk at a sometimes startling pace, capturing the chaos and ecstasy of one of the most physically and emotionally transformative experiences the human body can endure.
    — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 25 June 2026
  • While Pughsley planned seminars, Burdette lined up cocaine, ecstasy, and strippers.
    — Keith O’Brien, New Yorker, 25 June 2026
Definition of ecstasy
Noun
  • The hottest game had ended early Saturday evening and after more than 90 minutes of elbows, shoves and kicks to the shin, the players on France and Paraguay were still hot.
    — Les Carpenter, Washington Post, 5 July 2026
  • White sneakers tend to lead the trends come spring and summer, but Styles is proof that a black pair of comfy kicks is just as wearable—with a slightly more edgy feel.
    — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 5 July 2026
Definition of kick
Noun
  • These days, Evan finds some joy with his parents’ dog, a Mini Aussie named Gypsy, which now lives with him.
    — Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
  • The days leading up to his passing were filled with joy, gratitude, peace and acceptance.
    — Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Definition of joy
Noun
  • For a 24-year-old trying to make it in the Big Leagues, that kind of success would typically cause pure elation.
    — Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 25 June 2026
  • But elsewhere, there was elation.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 22 June 2026
Definition of elation
Noun
  • In a way, playing baseball helps bring happiness to those going through tragedy, Rojas said.
    — Liana Handler Follow, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • The image is powerful — a dog sprinting across green grass, the quintessential picture of canine happiness.
    — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026
Definition of happiness
Noun
  • It’s been one of the world’s brightest stars thanks to euphoria around SK Hynix and other AI stocks, and the index is still up 97% for the year so far.
    — Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • The drugs seem more like a trip into the abyss instead of a gateway to euphoria.
    — Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 26 June 2026
Definition of euphoria
Noun
  • Plants look simply stunning in the garden, with silvery foliage and heaven-scented blooms abuzz with pollinators.
    — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 3 July 2026
  • The queen of pop swapped her Confessions II-era shiny golden doll-like curls for a high-to-the-heavens mullet.
    — Christina Perrier, InStyle, 22 June 2026
Definition of heaven

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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on exhilaration

Nglish: Translation of exhilaration for Spanish Speakers

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