Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

thrilling

American  
[thril-ing] / ˈθrɪl ɪŋ /

adjective

  1. producing sudden, strong, and deep emotion or excitement.

  2. producing a tremor, as by chilling.

  3. vibrating; trembling; quivering.

ˈthrilling British  
/ ˈθrɪlɪŋ /

adjective

  1. very exciting or stimulating

  2. vibrating or trembling

"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

  • thrillingly adverb
  • unthrilling adjective

Etymology

Origin of thrilling

First recorded in 1520–30; thrill + -ing 2

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.

Doncic’s brilliant March unified the team behind his most valuable player push, his thrilling shot-making and even his smiling dunk against Washington.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

The English trio were involved in a pair of thrilling quarter-final first legs last week but nothing has been decided, with those ties concluding on Wednesday.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

There seems no way some of the shots could have been completed except by air, and they’re thrilling.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

The 19-year-old cut the gap to league leader Jonny Clayton down to just three points after a thrilling night of Premier League action with some eye-catching performances.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

“What a thrilling presentation!” the good lady continued.

From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood

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.