exhilaration

noun

ex·​hil·​a·​ra·​tion ig-ˌzi-lə-ˈrā-shən 

1

: the action of exhilarating

2

: the feeling or the state of being exhilarated

Synonyms

• bang
• boot
• charge
• frisson
• jollies
• kick
• rush
• thrill
• titillation
• wallop

Examples of exhilaration in a Sentence

I felt a kind of exhilaration when I reached the top of the mountain.

the lavish spectacle results in one exhilaration after another

Recent Examples on the Web

My heart was already pounding from the awful climb, but there was a sudden thrill and exhilaration. —Frank C. Hibben, Outdoor Life, 13 Feb. 2025

Thursday's episode contained an array of emotions from the sorrow, panic and exhilaration. —Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 17 Jan. 2025

The spontaneous messages drafted in a surge of summit exhilaration, or love or loneliness, or in memory of someone who wasn’t there. —Meaghen Brown, Outside Online, 18 Mar. 2025

What makes this Andalusian driving escape truly special is its perfect balance—the exhilaration of commanding winding mountain roads counterpointed by moments of tranquil luxury. —Shelby Knick, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1622, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for exhilaration

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

exhilaration

noun

ex·​hil·​a·​ra·​tion ig-ˌzil-ə-ˈrā-shən 

1

: the action of exhilarating

2

: the state or the feeling of being exhilarated : high spirits