EXCITE Synonyms: 94 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'excite' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of excite are pique , provoke , quicken , and stimulate . While all these words mean "to arouse as if by pricking," excite implies a stirring up or moving profoundly. // news that excited anger and frustration

Q: When might 'pique' be a better fit than 'excite'?

Although the words pique and excite have much in common, pique suggests stimulating by mild irritation or challenge. // that remark piqued my interest

Q: Where would 'provoke' be a reasonable alternative to 'excite'?

The meanings of provoke and excite largely overlap; however, provoke directs attention to the response called forth. // my stories usually provoke laughter

Q: In what contexts can 'quicken' take the place of 'excite'?

The synonyms quicken and excite are sometimes interchangeable, but quicken implies beneficially stimulating and making active or lively. // the high salary quickened her desire to have the job

Q: When is 'stimulate' a more appropriate choice than 'excite'?

The words stimulate and excite are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, stimulate suggests a rousing out of lethargy, quiescence, or indifference. // stimulating conversation

excite

verb

ik-ˈsīt

Definition of excite

as in to thrill

to cause a pleasurable stimulation of the feelings for some reason the first snowfall of the season never fails to excite us

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to provoke

to rouse to strong feeling or action televised pictures of the victims of the famine that would excite any viewer to pity

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb excite contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of excite are pique, provoke, quicken, and stimulate. While all these words mean "to arouse as if by pricking," excite implies a stirring up or moving profoundly.

news that excited anger and frustration

When might pique be a better fit than excite?

Although the words pique and excite have much in common, pique suggests stimulating by mild irritation or challenge.

that remark piqued my interest

Where would provoke be a reasonable alternative to excite?

The meanings of provoke and excite largely overlap; however, provoke directs attention to the response called forth.

my stories usually provoke laughter

In what contexts can quicken take the place of excite?

The synonyms quicken and excite are sometimes interchangeable, but quicken implies beneficially stimulating and making active or lively.

the high salary quickened her desire to have the job

When is stimulate a more appropriate choice than excite?

The words stimulate and excite are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, stimulate suggests a rousing out of lethargy, quiescence, or indifference.

stimulating conversation

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of excite Three of the tests used different wavelengths of light to excite the chemical components and sift out identifying signatures from their glow. — Mike McRae 17, New Atlas, 17 Aug. 2026 Hansen said she is honored and excited for the opportunity to take on the new role of middle school principal. — Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Aug. 2026 Other than a win over rival Michigan the year prior, coach Jim Tressel and the 2002 Buckeyes didn't have a lot to be excited about coming into the season. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2026 Dogs being hurried out of the apartment building by their owners wagged their tails, excited by the commotion. — Jen Guadarrama, IndyStar, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for excite

Recent Examples of Synonyms for excite

Verb

When Nguyen brought the Bronco home, his wife wasn't thrilled about the idea of using it to drive their young children.

— Alexa Liacko, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
This alone made a great first impression—the thought of cleaning my hardwood floors, couch, baseboards, and rugs without swapping devices thrilled me as someone who was previously using multiple vacuums to accomplish the same tasks.

— Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of thrill

Verb

Corben has previously clashed with Gabela and Gabela’s wife, Mariela, who have accused Corben of provoking them to get views for his content.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 20 Aug. 2026
Keitel’s Feraud keeps provoking the feud; Carradine’s D’Hubert recognizes its madness but remains too bound by the same code of honor to walk away.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of provoke

Verb

The Meråker Line from Trondheim to the Swedish border was fully electrified this spring, allowing electric trains to operate across the border at Storlien.

— David Nikel, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Potential uses beyond conventional factories The technology could potentially serve industries that require moderate levels of process heat but are difficult to electrify directly.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of electrify

Verb

While the colors blend in with the landscape and may draw your eye outside, the rooms also encourage procrastinating.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
Lee told the Queen that her husband’s candidness has encouraged many to feel more comfortable with their own cancer journeys.

— Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of encourage

Verb

Fantastic Fest, the most reliably eclectic and unapologetically strange American film festival on the fall calendar, has unveiled a lineup that promises to delight any cinephile whose tastes lie outside the conventional.

— Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 18 Aug. 2026
Good stories may delight or entertain, anger or outrage, surprise or shock.

— Greg Borowski, jsonline.com, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of delight

Verb

Instead, some industry leaders advocate for the US government to become an ambitious early customer, stimulating domestic demand and building a resilient supply chain, mirroring China's successful strategy.

— John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
Stronger trade winds help to move warm surface water away from the South American coast, which stimulates upwelling—that is, the movement of cold, dense, and nutrient-rich deep ocean water toward the surface.

— John P. Rafferty, Encyclopedia Britannica, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of stimulate

Verb

The restaurant's menu is inspired by the history of Menorca, especially the period of French occupation in the 18th century, which had a significant influence on the island’s cuisine.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
The film seeks to celebrate Guillén’s life while honoring the tireless advocacy of her family, whose campaigning inspired lasting legislative change and amplified the voices of military families.

— Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of inspire

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excitableness

excite

excited

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“Excite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/excite. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of excite

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