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

This can similarly be attributed to our brain's creative and imaginative capabilities and the attendant sense of exhilaration and wonder upon encountering something new. —Marcus Weldon, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025

So the [Super Bowl] spots were really meant to just give you a glimpse of what awaits guests at Epic Universe, a multi-sensory, mind-blowing experience that will elicit a full range of emotions: fear, joy, exhilaration, and even awe. —Abbey White, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Feb. 2025

Ultimately, Elphaba, enveloped by clouds reminiscent of the Renaissance, makes a dramatic turn and soars into the sunset, leaving the audience in a state of emotional exhilaration and curiosity about what lies ahead. —Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 7 Feb. 2025

Such moments of creative exhilaration were intermittent adornments of a diffuse slog. —Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 17 Jan. 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