Definitions

exhilaration

[ig-zil-uh-rey-shuhn] / ɪgˌzɪl əˈreɪ ʃən /

NOUN

great happiness, excitement

Synonyms

STRONGEST

elation euphoria high spirits hilarity joy

STRONG

animation cheerfulness delight electrification elevation exaltation excitation firing gaiety galvanization gladness gleefulness inspiration invigoration joyfulness liveliness mirth quickening sprightliness stimulation uplift vitalization vivacity vivification

WEAK

a rush enlivenment head rush

Antonyms

STRONGEST

depression sadness sorrow unhappiness woe

STRONG

discouragement misery

WEAK

agitation upset worry

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Ms. Marvin’s combination of determination and weirdness lends the film some of the youthful exhilaration of “Rushmore.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 29, 2026

Does the olfactory exhilaration also enhance play-calling, amplifying one’s grasp of X’s and O’s?

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 12, 2026

I fell into the same rhythm: starting over, drenched in sweat, sheer exhilaration, “sign me up.”

From Salon • Jan. 1, 2026

But the exhilaration felt in such moments had been matched by the "anger and profound sadness" felt in others.

From Barron's • Dec. 31, 2025

My reddening face revealed both my exhilaration and my embarrassment.

From "Three Little Words: A Memoir" by Ashley Rhodes-Courter

Vocabulary lists containing exhilaration

Lord of the Flies

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Words inspired by "Inside Out"

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The Pearl

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