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Synonyms

excitement

American  
[ik-sahyt-muhnt] / ɪkˈsaɪt mənt /

noun

  1. an excited state or condition.

    Synonyms:
    ado, commotion, perturbation
    Antonyms:
    serenity
  2. something that excites.


excitement British  
/ ɪkˈsaɪtmənt /

noun

  1. the state of being excited

  2. a person or thing that excites; stimulation or thrill

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Related Words

See agitation.

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of excitement

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English excitament, “encouragement,” from Medieval Latin excitāmentum; excite + -ment

Explanation

Excitement is a feeling or situation full of activity, joy, exhilaration, or upheaval. One thing about excitement — it sure isn't boring. There are a few types of excitement, but they're all exciting — they get your attention. If you can't wait for your birthday, you're feeling a happy kind of excitement. If everyone in class is screaming and throwing things, the teacher might ask, "What's all the excitement about?" A sleeping dog is resting — no excitement there. But a dog that’s jumping, barking, and running in circles when his owner comes home is feeling and causing a lot of excitement.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing excitement

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"Excitement is the key word. Passion," said De la Fuente.

From BBC • May 25, 2026

Excitement extends beyond the architecture to what Kean describes as a “truly groundbreaking” debut exhibit.

From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2026

Excitement about AI agents crested this year when a tool called OpenClaw went viral.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

Excitement over optical networking for AI data centers is boosting Marvell, with revenue projected to grow up to 90% this year and next.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

Excitement bubbles up inside me as I realize that this could actually work.

From "A Soft Place to Land" by Janae Marks

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