excitement
Americannoun
-
an excited state or condition.
- Synonyms:
- ado, commotion, perturbation
- Antonyms:
- serenity
-
something that excites.
noun
-
the state of being excited
-
a person or thing that excites; stimulation or thrill
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.
Vocabulary lists containing excitement
Talk Like Shakespeare Day, List 3
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-ment
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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.
The Grappler is generating excitement in some corners of law enforcement as officials look for new ways to deal with high-speed pursuits.
From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026
He recalled seeing the ERP go to zero amid the “tremendous excitement over a technological revolution” during the dot-com era, before that bubble burst.
From MarketWatch • May 6, 2026
The latest trailer, shared by Universal Studios, has stoked excitement and given fans a closer look at the Greek hero and his perilous and, at times, fantastical journey.
From BBC • May 5, 2026
Investors are balancing excitement from strong AI earnings with concerns about a potential AI bubble and wondering when to take profits.
From Barron's • May 4, 2026
She didn’t make a sound, but I could almost feel her swell with excitement and relief.
From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
