EXCITE Synonyms: 94 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'excite' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of excite are pique , provoke , quicken , and stimulate . While all these words mean "to arouse as if by pricking," excite implies a stirring up or moving profoundly. // news that excited anger and frustration

Q: When might 'pique' be a better fit than 'excite'?

Although the words pique and excite have much in common, pique suggests stimulating by mild irritation or challenge. // that remark piqued my interest

Q: Where would 'provoke' be a reasonable alternative to 'excite'?

The meanings of provoke and excite largely overlap; however, provoke directs attention to the response called forth. // my stories usually provoke laughter

Q: In what contexts can 'quicken' take the place of 'excite'?

The synonyms quicken and excite are sometimes interchangeable, but quicken implies beneficially stimulating and making active or lively. // the high salary quickened her desire to have the job

Q: When is 'stimulate' a more appropriate choice than 'excite'?

The words stimulate and excite are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, stimulate suggests a rousing out of lethargy, quiescence, or indifference. // stimulating conversation

excite

verb

ik-ˈsīt

Definition of excite next

as in to thrill

to cause a pleasurable stimulation of the feelings for some reason the first snowfall of the season never fails to excite us

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to provoke

to rouse to strong feeling or action televised pictures of the victims of the famine that would excite any viewer to pity

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb excite contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of excite are pique, provoke, quicken, and stimulate. While all these words mean "to arouse as if by pricking," excite implies a stirring up or moving profoundly.

news that excited anger and frustration

When might pique be a better fit than excite?

Although the words pique and excite have much in common, pique suggests stimulating by mild irritation or challenge.

that remark piqued my interest

Where would provoke be a reasonable alternative to excite?

The meanings of provoke and excite largely overlap; however, provoke directs attention to the response called forth.

my stories usually provoke laughter

In what contexts can quicken take the place of excite?

The synonyms quicken and excite are sometimes interchangeable, but quicken implies beneficially stimulating and making active or lively.

the high salary quickened her desire to have the job

When is stimulate a more appropriate choice than excite?

The words stimulate and excite are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, stimulate suggests a rousing out of lethargy, quiescence, or indifference.

stimulating conversation

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of excite As if a world so placid and unresponsive could excite only the opposite sensations in him. —

Greg Jackson, The New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2024 With its cylindrical shape, anodized aluminum finish, and leather-like handle, the purifier will excite you to make space for it. —

Adam Mansuroglu, WWD, 1 Nov. 2024 Both would probably have been excited about this year’s Oscar race, where several best picture contenders high-light the power of an ensemble film: no matter where a talent ranks on the call sheet, everyone in the film has some choice scene time. —

Whitney Friedlander, Variety, 30 Oct. 2024 Their choices will reveal what motivates and excites them. —

Ludmila Praslova, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for excite

Recent Examples of Synonyms for excite

Verb

The sisters are thrilled the JP era is over, but still flinch anytime the doorbell rings.

Caroline Framke, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2024
Look, nobody on the GTW crew is thrilled at the idea of the Nuggets missing Gordon for an extended stretch.

Sean Keeler, The Denver Post, 9 Nov. 2024