excite

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

Example 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 Nothing really excites the crowds at the beach like when a social media influencer comes out to film content, Herring said. Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2025 To have the chance to dive into his world and discover all his adventures excites us all. Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 1 Apr. 2025 What excites you the most about your new partnership with Chase and United? Demarco Williams, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025 That technology will likely change and influence legacy processes, like customer service, loyalty and marketing, which retailers hope will entice and excite their shoppers. Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 24 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for excite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for excite
Verb
  • Bowen-Fontenot, the senior version of the brother-sister act, was thrilled with her time.
    Steve Brand, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
  • All of those very different shows should be thrilling in their own ways — and, at last check, tickets were still available for the remaining Barron SFJAZZ dates at sfjazzz.com.
    Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Brit, still processing, clocks that Kenya was angling for a full-on meltdown, trying to provoke her into playing the aggressor.
    Shelby Stewart, Essence, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Tariffs essentially act as an indirect tax on consumers, provoke retaliatory measures, drive inflation higher, and destabilize financial markets.
    Christian Catalini, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Ancient cave homes were cleaned, ventilated, electrified, kitted out with bathrooms.
    Melanie Stetson Freeman, Christian Science Monitor, 10 Apr. 2025
  • In 2024, voters passed 46 of 53 ballot measures for funding public transit, providing $25 billion for projects like electrifying bus fleets, expanding service hours, subsidizing fares for low-income riders and other initiatives.
    Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The Last of Us star got their first role in season 6 of Game of Thrones at 11 years old, and has their parents to thank for encouraging their career.
    Makena Gera, People.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Those who pick up the materials are encouraged to take a photo with their 988 sign, share it on their social media platforms and tag the Kane County Health Department to let their friends and family know that support is always available, according to the release.
    Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The video has delighted internet users, leading to more than 621,300 views and 48,500 likes on TikTok at the time of writing.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Founded in 1970 by Erwin Little and his wife, Diane, the family-run business has delighted generations with its handcrafted, high-quality chocolates.
    Tammy Ljungblad, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Greece started its golden visa program in 2013 to stabilize housing prices and stimulate growth in a country facing a recession, skyrocketing unemployment, and austerity measures imposed by international lenders.
    Meehika Barua, HubSpot, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The importance of daylight The infrared light found in daylight can modulate inflammation, stimulate collagen production, prevent neurodegeneration, and even optimize mitochondria, which produce energy inside our cells.
    Ana Morales, Vogue, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Whether Coen can turn the Jaguars around hinges largely on his ability to remain true to himself, provide guidance to an equally unproven coaching staff and connect with and inspire an entire roster to catch his vision.
    Mike Jones, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Garcia inspired a steady stream of social media wisecracks by pairing the red hat and shirt for his LIV Golf team, Fireballs GC, with bright yellow pants.
    Brooks Peck, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • For now, any public attempt by Thune to check Trump would likely arouse even greater anger from the Republican base.
    David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025
  • This was music meant to arouse wonder and yearning.
    Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Excite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/excite. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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