English Reference

Word

exercised

Phoneticsex·er·cised

US/ˈɛksɝˌsaɪzd/

UK/ˈɛksəsˌaɪzd/

Definitions

01having done physical activity

B1

adj. having spent time moving your body or working out to stay healthy.

adj. having engaged in physical exertion or bodily activity for the purpose of health or training.

“The dog was well exercised and slept soundly for the rest of the afternoon.”

“A properly exercised horse is generally more manageable and less prone to developing nervous habits in the stable.”

Synonyms

02worried or upset

C1

adj. feeling very worried, annoyed, or excited about a particular subject.

adj. agitated, preoccupied, or deeply concerned about a specific issue. Often used with 'about' or 'over'.

“The local residents are very exercised about the plans to build a new motorway.”

“The board of directors became increasingly exercised over the recent drop in share prices, demanding an immediate explanation from the CEO.”

Formal

Usage

Usually follows a linking verb and takes the preposition 'about' or 'over'.

03used or applied

C1 · Law

adj. used or put into action, like a right or a power.

adj. having been put into practice, used, or acted upon; typically refers to rights, powers, or influence.

“The newly exercised powers of the committee allowed them to stop the project.”

“The treaty remains in effect, though its more controversial clauses have rarely been exercised by the signatory nations.”

Formal · Technical

Synonyms

Antonyms

unexercised

Real-World Examples

“They had done so cautiously, it is true, but they, not Madrid, had exercised control.”
The Guardian · 21 Sept 2026

Etymology

From exercise + -ed.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry

Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency
Frequent
Updated

Scan code

englishreference.com/q/exercised

English Reference