Synonyms

exclaim

American

[ik-skleym] / ɪkˈskleɪm /

verb (used without object)

to cry out or speak suddenly and vehemently, as in surprise, strong emotion, or protest.

Synonyms:

howl, holler, scream, shriek, yell, vociferate, proclaim, shout

verb (used with object)

to cry out; say loudly or vehemently.

Synonyms:

howl, holler, scream, shriek, yell, vociferate, proclaim, shout

exclaim British

/ ɪkˈskleɪm /

verb

to cry out or speak suddenly or excitedly, as from surprise, delight, horror, etc

"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

Other Word Forms

exclaimer noun
unexclaiming adjective

Etymology

Origin of exclaim

1560–70; earlier exclame < Latin exclāmāre to cry out. See ex- ¹, claim

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.

We even had a member at Valhalla exclaim, “For Emily” as he sank his final putt on that historic 18th hole.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

It saw a raft of stars, including Hugh Jackman and Daniel Radcliffe, soaked over the years and led a sopping-wet Davina McCall to exclaim: "I'm in heaven!"

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

“They Will Kill You” feels like helping my two-year-old niece put together a fairly simple, 12-piece puzzle, and watching her exclaim with delight before asking if we can assemble it again.

From Salon • Mar. 29, 2026

Several people jumped into the comments section on Kardashian’s post to exclaim that they had spotted their family members in the photos.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 3, 2024

Sometimes a white lady would lean over us and exclaim, “How cute!”

From "Kira-Kira" by Cynthia Kadohata

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023