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
How to pack Living on the road for an entire year was exhilarating. — Sara Sturek, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Sep. 2026 Alfie Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images Alvaro Arbeloa’s Fulham have been an exhilarating watch across the early weeks of the Premier League season, but the free-flowing attacking football at Craven Cottage has come at a cost. — Thom Harris, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Verb
Ozzy, who commanded audiences with his unpredictable, exhilarating live performances, was also known for his sharp sense of humor. — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 23 July 2026 For nearly two decades, Justin Bieber has cut a tumultuous, highly scrutinized, and often exhilarating path through pop music and global celebrity. — Dan Adler, Vanity Fair, 19 July 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
  • Reminiscent in some ways of Sidney Lumet’s landmark first feature, 12 Angry Men, McCarthy finds an exciting way to shoot this tight room without ever being rote.
    — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Nothing terribly exciting is happening inside this three-bedroom, but there’s lots of light and a respectable amount of space, and the beach is just a few minutes away.
    — Nora Deligter, Curbed, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of exciting
Verb
  • There’s also the Chill and Thrill Islands, aptly named for their focuses on chilling and thrilling passengers, respectively.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Wilson finished with 22 points and nine rebounds on paper, but her late-game meltdown completely hijacked what was otherwise a thrilling 99-89 Indiana victory.
    — Alejandro Avila , Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of thrilling
Verb
  • Cory Harris, a lobbyist for state-legal cannabis operators, suggested that dire predictions about its effect on the intoxicating hemp industry are overstated.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026
  • In the tents erected in Munich for Oktoberfest, the atmosphere can be intoxicating enough without the alcohol.
    — Erik Kirschbaum, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of intoxicating
Adjective
  • The rise since the era of zero rates has been breathtaking, with the share of income devoted to interest payments up by two-thirds.
    — Harvey Stober, CNBC, 4 Oct. 2026
  • And residents think of it as just another part of island life — a minor inconvenience for small-town community charm, breathtaking views and a break from the hustle of much of the rest of Southern California.
    — Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 3 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
  • The pressure is on the Dodgers, and if the Braves can steal a game in Los Angeles, things could get interesting.
    — AJC.com, AJC.com, 3 Oct. 2026
  • There are also some interesting features of the actual delivery of the first two as well.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of interesting
Adjective
  • The British singer-songwriter and producer began her career as an elusive internet figure with a skill for crafting intriguing earworms.
    — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2026
  • That’s why Chicago AF events focus on piquing adults’ interest with intriguing reasons to engage in companionship and activity.
    — Marie Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of intriguing

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Exhilarating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exhilarating. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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