exclamation point

noun

1
: a mark ! used especially after an interjection or exclamation to indicate forceful utterance or strong feeling
2
: a distinctive indication of major significance, interest, or contrast
Their victory in the final game put an exclamation point on the season.

called also exclamation mark

Examples of exclamation point in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Amazon provided an exclamation point in June by signing the largest lease the Atlanta area has seen so far this year, signaling that big warehouse users are once again willing to make moves. — Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 31 July 2026 Michael Kim made history with an exclamation point on Friday at the 3M Open. — Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 25 July 2026 Jensen’s clutch single was the exclamation point as KC improved to 40-59 and snapped a five-game losing streak. — Kansas City Star, 18 July 2026 The sweep was an exclamation point on a strong first half for the resurgent White Sox. — Andy Martinez, Chicago Tribune, 12 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for exclamation point

Word History

First Known Use

1795, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of exclamation point was in 1795

Rhymes for exclamation point

See All Rhymes for exclamation point

Browse Nearby Words

exclamation
exclamation point
exclamative
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exclamation point.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exclamation%20point. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

exclamation point

noun
: a punctuation mark ! used chiefly after an exclamation to show a forceful way of speaking or a strong feeling

More from Merriam-Webster on exclamation point

Nglish: Translation of exclamation point for Spanish Speakers

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