exclaim

verb

ex·​claim ik-ˈsklām 

exclaimed; exclaiming; exclaims

intransitive verb

1

: to cry out or speak in strong or sudden emotion

exclaimed in delight

2

: to speak loudly or vehemently

exclaimed against immorality

transitive verb

: to utter sharply, passionately, or vehemently : proclaim

exclaimer noun

Synonyms

• blat
• blurt (out)
• bolt
• cry (out)
• ejaculate

Examples of exclaim in a Sentence

“Here he comes!” someone exclaimed.

She exclaimed in delight over the Christmas tree.

The children exclaimed with wonder when they saw the elephant.

Recent Examples on the Web

Flynn exclaimed and raised her hands before hugging Bezos. —Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025

Yang exclaimed in reference to the dire state of the American economy. —Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 12 Apr. 2025

Howard exclaimed, holding her finger up before turning around, jogging back to the show's pre-interview holding area, and returning without Aladdin. —Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 11 Apr. 2025

Next up is a deep purple, near-black sweet potato that Barber exclaimed is extraordinary. —Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle French exclamer, from Latin exclamare, from ex- + clamare to cry out — more at claim

First Known Use

1566, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Rhymes for exclaim

• acclaim
• aflame
• airframe
• ballgame
• became
• declaim
• defame
• disclaim
• doorframe
• inflame
• mainframe
• nickname

Kids Definition

exclaim

verb

ex·​claim iks-ˈklām 

: to cry out or speak suddenly or with strong feeling

exclaimed in delight