excite

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 Nothing really excites the crowds at the beach like when a social media influencer comes out to film content, Herring said. Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2025 To have the chance to dive into his world and discover all his adventures excites us all. Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 1 Apr. 2025 What excites you the most about your new partnership with Chase and United? Demarco Williams, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025 That technology will likely change and influence legacy processes, like customer service, loyalty and marketing, which retailers hope will entice and excite their shoppers. Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 24 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for excite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for excite
Verb
  • Popular comedies such as Ted Lasso and Shrinking, thrilling dramas—from Severance and The Morning Show to Slow Horses and Disclaimer—as well as epic sci-fi like Silo, hit movies like Wolfs and The Gorge are also available with Apple TV+ subscription on Prime Video in India.
    Sweta Kaushal, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
  • The film has been praised for its nostalgic elements and thrilling aerial sequences.
    Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters at the White House that the administration maintained confidence in Waltz and said the case was effectively closed, even as the breach provoked bipartisan criticism and opened up divisions inside the White House.
    Josh Meyer, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2025
  • As an abstraction and comparison machine, Pronouns provokes anxiety, getting at the dangers of correlation.
    Mara Mills, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • First footage unveiled at Par’s presentation this morning electrified the Colosseum full of theater owners at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 3 Apr. 2025
  • With that additional stream of investment, Isaac had set a target to electrify 5,000 homes in the Navajo Nation.
    Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • To bring in more visitors, Katsuo-ji came up with a creative way to encourage tourists to engage with the Daruma dolls.
    Rebecca Cairns, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Anyone with information is encouraged to call (410) 685-2022 or email mbelsky@sbwdlaw.com or cdickinson@sbwdlaw.com.
    Glynis Kazanjian, Baltimore Sun, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Henry Fonda belonged to a bygone Hollywood era of stories and role models geared to delighting moviegoers’ curiosity.
    Armond White, National Review, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Ahead, discover 20 options designed to delight every type of bride (and to come in handy when the occasion calls for it).
    Sarah Zendejas, Vogue, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Access to the leaves will stimulate scientific research that will objectively assess coca’s medical and therapeutic potential and benefits, with the ultimate goal of making available for all people a plant that promises to improve their well-being and ease the day-to-day challenges of their lives.
    Wade Davis, Rolling Stone, 6 Apr. 2025
  • As the moon and Mars collide, rushing toward your future stimulates unnecessary stress.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 5 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The styles are inspired by the Art Deco period, as well as the American Southwest, which can be seen in the bold designs that veer on modernity while still being classic.
    Brett F. Braley-Palko, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple.
    Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • This was music meant to arouse wonder and yearning.
    Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2025
  • There were clumps of diseased needles and black limbs killed by lightning long ago, but nothing else to arouse any interest.
    Frank C. Hibben, Outdoor Life, 27 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Excite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/excite. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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