Definitions

exhilaration

[ig-zil-uh-rey-shuhn] / ɪgˌzɪl əˈreɪ ʃən /

NOUN

great happiness, excitement

Synonyms

STRONGEST

elation euphoria high spirits hilarity joy

STRONG

animation cheerfulness delight electrification elevation exaltation excitation firing gaiety galvanization gladness gleefulness inspiration invigoration joyfulness liveliness mirth quickening sprightliness stimulation uplift vitalization vivacity vivification

WEAK

a rush enlivenment head rush

Antonyms

STRONGEST

depression sadness sorrow unhappiness woe

STRONG

discouragement misery

WEAK

agitation upset worry

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Games afford us the exhilaration of getting outside ourselves with new incentives, powers and ways to strive.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

I fell into the same rhythm: starting over, drenched in sweat, sheer exhilaration, “sign me up.”

From Salon • Jan. 1, 2026

But the exhilaration felt in such moments had been matched by the "anger and profound sadness" felt in others.

From Barron's • Dec. 31, 2025

The exhilaration that Harris’ campaign frequently exuded in those early rallies is summarized here, but those accounts don’t capture the joy.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 20, 2025

All the same, a little more fear leavened his exhilaration as he returned his attention to the sword reposing upon the bottom of the frozen pool.

From "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling

Vocabulary lists containing exhilaration

Lord of the Flies

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Words inspired by "Inside Out"

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

The Pearl

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!