exclamation

noun

ex·​cla·​ma·​tion ˌek-sklə-ˈmā-shən 

1

: a sharp or sudden utterance

2

: vehement expression of protest or complaint

Synonyms

• cry
• ejaculation
• interjection

Examples of exclamation in a Sentence

Her unexpected announcement caused a few exclamations of surprise.

the good news was greeted with a chorus of joyous exclamations

Recent Examples on the Web

Dramatic piano chords are stuck alongside sepia title cards that are pleasantly full of exclamation marks. —Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 22 May 2025

Trump’s near panicky exclamation in the Oval Office that Ukraine’s defense of its territory could cause a nuclear war was extraordinary — and extraordinarily dangerous. —Anthony Lake, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025

Comment The exclamation mark really is the giveaway. —Sara Holdren, Vulture, 25 Apr. 2025

Harry Maguire guided the ball home into the opposite corner of the net and sent Old Trafford potty, putting the exclamation mark on the kind of come-from-behind triumph that Manchester United fans will surely never tire of reliving. —Andy Mitten, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing exclamation

• exclamation point
• put an exclamation point on

Rhymes for exclamation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

exclamation

noun

ex·​cla·​ma·​tion ˌeks-klə-ˈmā-shən 

1

: a sharp or sudden cry of strong feeling

2

: a strong expression of anger or complaint