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.

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

You can imagine the exhilaration of merging onto a freeway.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 12, 2025

Jerry Neuheisel was experiencing such a moment in UCLA’s upset of Penn State and his father Rick’s exhilaration over the joyful moment.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 11, 2025

I can feel the terror and exhilaration in his trembling touch.

From "Dumplin'" by Julie Murphy

Vocabulary lists containing exhilaration

Lord of the Flies

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Words inspired by "Inside Out"

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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!