# exhilarating

/ɪɡˈzɪɫɝˌeɪtɪŋ/ (US) · /ɛɡzˈɪlɐɹˌeɪtɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/exhilarating
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. thrilling and exciting

adjective · CEFR B2

making you feel very excited and full of energy, like a fast ride or a big success.

For teachers: causing a strong feeling of excitement and happiness; refreshingly thrilling. Often used to describe physical activities or emotional breakthroughs.

- The speed of the boat was exhilarating as it flew across the water.
- Climbing to the summit at dawn provided an exhilarating sense of achievement that made the months of training worthwhile.

## Examples

- The roller coaster ride was exhilarating.
- Standing on the mountain peak after a long climb provided an exhilarating sense of achievement.
- The exhilarating pace of the city's nightlife can be overwhelming for those accustomed to a quieter existence, yet it remains the primary draw for young professionals.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.