thrill
38 synonyms and 10 antonyms for thrill, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To give someone a sudden rush of excitement or pleasure.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use thrill
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English þyrlian, "to pierce," related to thirl (an old word for a hole) — the sense shifted from a physical piercing to the figurative feeling of being "pierced" by excitement.
Full origin of thrill →Frequently asked questions
What does “thrill” mean?
The word “thrill” means to give someone a sudden rush of excitement or pleasure. In plain terms, a rush of excitement, or to cause that feeling in someone.
How do you pronounce “thrill”?
“Thrill” is pronounced thih ([θɾ̪̊ɪɫ] in IPA).
How do you use “thrill” in a sentence?
Here is “thrill” used in a sentence: “The roller coaster thrilled the whole family.”
What is another word for “thrill”?
Words with a similar meaning to “thrill” include animate, awaken, electrify, enflame, enkindle and enthrill.
What is the opposite of “thrill”?
The opposite of “thrill” — its antonyms — are allay, assuage, calm down, cool and curb.
What part of speech is “thrill”?
Depending on how it is used, “thrill” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “thrill” come from?
The word “thrill” comes from Old English. From Old English þyrlian, "to pierce," related to thirl (an old word for a hole) — the sense shifted from a physical piercing to the figurative feeling of being "pierced" by excitement.
Is “thrill” a common word?
“Thrill” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between "thrill" as a verb and as a noun?
As a verb, "thrill" means to give someone a sudden rush of excitement or pleasure, as in "the concert thrilled the crowd." As a noun, it names that feeling itself, as in "riding the rollercoaster gave her a real thrill."
What is the difference between "thrill" and general "excitement"?
"Excitement" is a broad term for heightened emotional energy, while a "thrill" specifically refers to a sudden, intense burst of that feeling, often tied to a particular moment or experience. A thrill tends to be sharper and more momentary than ongoing excitement.