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 next

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

Examples 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 Each photon might excite an atom in the cloud, or go straight through without interacting, or both. —

Natalie Wolchover, Quanta Magazine, 17 Dec. 2024 He was also excited by the opportunity to make his mark as a Filipino chef in the city. —

Sara Rosenthal, The Denver Post, 17 Dec. 2024 The Cybertruck’s militaristic futurism may excite Musk, but in risk-averse markets such as the EU and the UK, any new technologies must be vetted not by early-adopter customers but by accredited labs. —

Carlton Reid, WIRED, 15 Dec. 2024 In addition to the script grabbing his attention, Guadagnino was also excited by the prospect of working with Roberts. —

Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 14 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for excite

Recent Examples of Synonyms for excite

Verb

Operating in the same surrealist realm as Torres, Maia Novi’s thrilling off-Broadway play Invasive Species renders the quest for citizenship (and by extension the American Dream) as the ultimate role for an aspiring Argentinian actress (played by Novi).

Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Dec. 2024
Anime had an absolutely stellar year in 2024, with some huge new releases that had fans around the world excited and thrilled for what's next.

Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024