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

You might recall that McCarthy famously exulted in 2015 that GOP Benghazi investigations were a success because Hillary Clinton’s “numbers are dropping.”

From Washington Post

Bell, one of the Nationals’ highest-profile offseason acquisitions, pumped his fist and exulted as the ball exited for his fourth homer of the season.

From Washington Post

I would like to see the College of Fine Arts not only reestablished, but see it exulted.

From Washington Post

“This is a shot in the arm, no pun intended,” exulted Jay Kornegay, vice president of the SuperBook at Westgate Las Vegas, the city’s largest sportsbook.

From Washington Post

Picture a Senate where nothing gets through unless it gets through me, and where I exult in thwarting the agenda of the opposing party at every turn, even for wafer-thin reasons.

From Washington Post

Since his videos exult in the killing of innocent civilians, any cross-examination would have emphasised his inhumanity.

From The Daily Beast

Could she obtain a triumphant acquittal, through the force of her own integrity, she would greatly exult.

From Project Gutenberg

It caused her to exult in the face of the great golden October sunset piled high in the west.

From Project Gutenberg

They heard but saw nothing, only the savage heart of brutus found time to exult—his enemies were perishing.

From Project Gutenberg

They are desperate, then, and seem to exult in devilry of all kinds.

From Project Gutenberg

We went on to exult in the noble independence of the American character in all classes, at some length.

From Project Gutenberg

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.