exult

[ ig-zuhlt ]

verb (used without object)

1. to show or feel a lively or triumphant joy; rejoice exceedingly; be highly elated or jubilant:

   They exulted over their victory.

   Synonyms: revel, glory, delight

2. Obsolete. to leap, especially for joy.

exult

/ ɪɡˈzʌlt; ˌɛɡzʌlˈteɪʃən /

verb

1. to be joyful or jubilant, esp because of triumph or success; rejoice
2. often foll by over to triumph (over); show or take delight in the defeat or discomfiture (of)

Usage

See exalt

Derived Forms

• exˈultingly, adverb
• exultation, noun

Other Words From

• ex·ulting·ly adverb
• self-ex·ulting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of exult¹

1560–70; < Latin ex ( s ) ultāre to leap up, equivalent to ex- ex- ¹ + -sultāre (combining form of saltāre to leap)

Word History and Origins

Origin of exult¹

C16: from Latin exsultāre to jump or leap for joy, from saltāre to leap

Example Sentences

“This is super cool,” exulted Dean, an auto mechanic who does the repair work at the family-run garage.

From Los Angeles Times

If the jury can’t reach a decision, Trump will exult that even a jury of Manhattanites in one of the most liberal jurisdictions in the nation failed to find him culpable — another moral victory declaration.

From Los Angeles Times

He felt a minnow brush his leg and he exulted to be doing so well in the minnow’s own medium.

From Literature

The album also exults in musical zingers, non sequiturs and startling off-grid eruptions.

From New York Times

This is still a show that exults in the joy of Christmas and the relationships that make it meaningful.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• gloat
• revel

More About Exult

What does exult mean?

Exult means to express or experience triumph or happiness, as in The gambler always exults after winning the big jackpot. 

Exult can be confused for the similarly spelled word exalt. Exalt has several meanings, including to elevate in rank, power or quality and to praise.

Example: Your project winning a national contest is something to exult about! 

Where does exult come from?

The first records of exult come from around 1560. It comes from the Latin ex(s)ultāre meaning “to leap up.” A person who is exulting is figuratively jumping for joy.

Exult is not a common word and less likely to be used than words with similar meanings, such as rejoice, cheer, or celebrate. When used, exult refers only to positive feelings and reactions, not negative ones such as sadness, anger, or fear.

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to exult?

• exultingly (adverb)
• self-exulting (adjective)
• exultant (adjective)
• exultation (noun)

What are some synonyms for exult?

• rejoice
• cheer
• celebrate
• jubilate

What are some words that share a root or word element with exult? 

• exultant
• exultation

What are some words that often get used in discussing exult?

• joy
• celebration
• dance
• shout

What are some words exult may be commonly confused with?

• exalt

How is exult used in real life?

Exult is not a commonly used word. It more often appears in quotes of religious texts or is misused for the word exalt.

'O Captain! My Captain! our fearful trip is done;
The ship has weather'd every rack, the prize we sought is won; The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting, While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring: pic.twitter.com/UwlaXNeRud

— Blacklanderz® (@Blacklanderz) May 31, 2021

Word of the day is exulted. I'm exulted over the lakers victory yesterday

— alallday (@AlAllDay) May 28, 2009

We saw it at King's Cross "pop up" theatre on the 1st anniversary of DB's death. I found that I was more moved by it rather than exulted by it. Glad to have been there.

— Eric McBride (@EricMcBride4) May 28, 2021

Try using exult!

Is exult used correctly in the following sentence?

The proud coach exulted over the gymnast’s gold medal.