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
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Recent Examples of exhilaration
But Woo stages his action sequences with the grace and fluidity of a great Vincente Minnelli set piece, making the gunfights less acts of violence than of pure aesthetic exhilaration and beauty.
—
Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 11 Mar. 2026
With Spoelstra appreciative of the emotional drain of the experience, as well as the eventual exhilaration.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2026
But there is also a pure exhilaration in standing on that last precipice, face-to-face with the question that exists beyond all other questions—which is to say, God.
—Charles Finch, The Atlantic, 24 Feb. 2026
In the popular overture, elicitation of tumult concludes, with startling exhilaration, in the kind of grand Beethovenian triumph that never fails to excite.
—Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for exhilaration
Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 11 Mar. 2026
With Spoelstra appreciative of the emotional drain of the experience, as well as the eventual exhilaration.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2026
But there is also a pure exhilaration in standing on that last precipice, face-to-face with the question that exists beyond all other questions—which is to say, God.
—Charles Finch, The Atlantic, 24 Feb. 2026
In the popular overture, elicitation of tumult concludes, with startling exhilaration, in the kind of grand Beethovenian triumph that never fails to excite.
—Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for exhilaration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exhilaration
Noun
-
Kay isn’t some kind of unhinged chaos agent or emotional thrill-seeker (well, maybe just a little), but rather an adventurous artist eager to dig deep beneath the surface.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
28 Apr. 2026
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Today, teens are no different from any other generation, still searching for freedom and the thrill of playing chicken with authority.—
Louis Martinez,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
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In 2024, the FDA rejected MDMA, a psychedelic drug commonly known as ecstasy, for treating PTSD, despite intense political pressure from veterans groups to approve it.—
Erika Edwards,
NBC news,
24 Apr. 2026
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The move removes these products from the Schedule I category, which includes what the government considers to be high-risk and dangerous drugs such as heroin, LSD and ecstasy, to the lower-risk category of Schedule III.—
Jackie Flynn Mogensen,
Scientific American,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
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York and Rochdale issued a statement before kick-off, arguing that the quota should be increased from two to three, in line with the EFL’s three divisions.—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
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Top with sea salt for an additional salty kick.—
Erin Merhar,
Southern Living,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Since then, the daycare owner and child care educator has spent more than two decades training teachers and caregivers to infuse children with a sense of joy and appreciation for Black culture.—
Darcel Rockett,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
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In the face of oppression and cynicism, kindness and joy are revolutionary acts.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Throughout the visual, the three-time Grammy winner can be seen traipsing through the palace's opulent halls in a coquettish ensemble, capturing the elation of newfound romance.—
Ilana Kaplan,
PEOPLE,
17 Apr. 2026
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Restaurant owners express elation, hoping the prestigious nod will elevate their cultural heritage and inspire others to seek out authentic cuisines.—
Stephanie Breijo,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
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McDonald didn’t bother hiding his happiness as KU’s defense stopped a pivotal fourth down late in the second quarter.—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
1 May 2026
-
It’s brought a lot of joy, happiness and success to my life.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
1 May 2026
Noun
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The film captures the Nazi aesthetic, with Hitler standing alone before the masses giving a speech, the shadows cast across the Nazi Party rally grounds, and the euphoria on the faces of rallygoers.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Apr. 2026
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Dosunmu stepped to the free-throw line, the euphoria of a pending victory sweeping through the Target Center.—
Marcus Thompson II,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Gaga and Doechii, a match made in fashion heaven, and two style students who clearly did their homework for this assignment.—
Christian Allaire,
Vogue,
27 Apr. 2026
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Bourbon and pecan pie are a match made in heaven, but this pie takes that combination to a whole new level.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Exhilaration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exhilaration. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
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