/ ɪkˈsaɪtɪŋ; NAmE / adjective
causing great interest or excitement :
one of the most exciting developments in biology in recent years
They waited and waited for something exciting to happen.
an exciting prospect / possibility
an exciting story / discovery
► ex·cit·ing·ly adverb
••
SYNONYMS
exciting
dramatic ♦ heady ♦ thrilling ♦ exhilarating
These words all describe an event, experience or feeling that causes excitement.
exciting
causing great interest or excitement:
This is one of the most exciting developments in biology in recent years.
dramatic
(of events or scenes) exciting and impressive:
They watched dramatic pictures of the police raid on TV.
heady
having a strong effect on your senses; making you feel excited and hopeful:
the heady days of youth
thrilling
exciting and enjoyable:
Don't miss next week's thrilling episode!
exhilarating
very exciting and enjoyable:
My first parachute jump was an exhilarating experience.
exciting, thrilling or exhilarating?
Exhilarating is the strongest of these words and exciting the least strong. Exciting is the most general and can be used to talk about any activity, experience, feeling or event that excites you. Thrilling is used particularly for contests and stories where the ending is uncertain. Exhilarating is used particularly for physical activities that involve speed and/or danger.
PATTERNS AND COLLOCATIONS :
very / really exciting / dramatic / heady / thrilling / exhilarating
absolutely / totally thrilling / exhilarating
a(n) exciting / dramatic / thrilling story
a(n) exciting / dramatic / heady / thrilling / exhilarating experience / moment
a(n) exciting / dramatic / heady / thrilling atmosphere
a(n) exciting / dramatic / thrilling ending / finish / finale / victory / win