Synonym Chooser

How is the word ecstasy distinct from other similar nouns?

The words rapture and transport are common synonyms of ecstasy. While all three words mean "intense exaltation of mind and feelings," ecstasy and rapture both suggest a state of trance or near immobility produced by an overpowering emotion; ecstasy may apply to any strong emotion (such as joy, fear, rage, adoration).

religious ecstasy

Where would rapture be a reasonable alternative to ecstasy?

While the synonyms rapture and ecstasy are close in meaning, rapture usually implies intense bliss or beatitude.

in speechless rapture

When would transport be a good substitute for ecstasy?

The words transport and ecstasy can be used in similar contexts, but transport applies to any powerful emotion that lifts one out of oneself and usually provokes vehement expression or frenzied action.

in a transport of rage

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of ecstasy Her childlike excitement was contagious, the ecstasy of a performer finding her audience, and the crowd roared. Sam Reed, Glamour, 29 Apr. 2025 Horror comes through the body, as does love, as does ecstasy. Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 26 Apr. 2025 Eight years later, Mike and Marcus are now investigating the influx of ecstasy drugs coming into Miami. Rendy Jones, EW.com, 7 Apr. 2025 With espresso especially, the right grinder can be the difference between ecstasy, agony, and simple defeat. Matthew Korfhage, Wired News, 1 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ecstasy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ecstasy
Noun
  • So think about joy as the experience and happiness as the idea.
    Jess Cording, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
  • One unexpected joy of League Pass life is the arena feed, which shows us what’s on the jumbotron during timeouts (mascot skits, archival content, dance promotions and many other frivolities).
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • Thanks to her good karma, Maya had been reborn in the heavens as a god, but in Buddhism gods are not as spiritually advanced as Buddhas.
    Megan Bryson, The Conversation, 6 May 2025
  • This lyrical drama, choreographed by Dell Howlett, floats at times like a movement-theater piece reaching for the heavens.
    Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The perfect smile can be the key to self-esteem, to happiness, to personal connection.
    Dave Schilling, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2025
  • Microsoft Confirms New Free Update Deadline For Windows Users There is also evidence that having a variety of places contributes to happiness.
    Tracy Brower, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
Noun
  • Higher doses can be more intense, leading to euphoria, sensory changes, or sleepiness, depending on your tolerance and body chemistry.
    Emily Price, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • The severity of the stock drawdown to start Trump's presidency stands in marked contrast to the initial euphoria following his November election victory, when the S&P 500 surged to all-time highs amid confidence the former businessman would bring about much hoped for tax cuts and deregulation.
    Sarah Min, CNBC, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The second book takes kids on a global culinary adventure, from slurping noodles in Japan to savoring tagines in Morocco and discovering the delight of gelato in Italy.
    Jon Stojan, USA Today, 10 May 2025
  • The dog's noisy breakthrough has become an unexpected source of joy not just for his family but also for tens of thousands of viewers, many of whom took to the comments to share their delight and humor.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • Taiwan’s elation at Biden’s defense aid, support for American renewable energy and technology policy under the Inflation Reduction Act and CHIPS Act, or tying itself in with support for Ukraine has transformed into liabilities Taipei is hoping segments of the American electorate forget.
    Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
  • The Lakers’ elation one night earlier, after James tipped in the game-winning basket at the buzzer for a 120-119 win over the Indiana Pacers, eluded them on Thursday in a rematch with the Bulls, who had beaten them by 31 points last Saturday.
    Jovan Buha, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The future will be controlled by inflicting pleasure, not pain.
    Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
  • Hell, by way of pleasure and ambition, this slight-but-winsome dramedy offers a step-up from recent vintages; by way of international resonance, however, this latest opener seems unlikely for a world tour.
    Ben Croll, IndieWire, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • One of the friends, the 17-year-old girl, took at least one of the pills and died from acute fentanyl intoxication.
    Andrea Klick, Oc Register, 25 Apr. 2025
  • On April 1, prosecutors dropped the child neglect charge against Anderson and charged her with disorderly conduct and disorderly intoxication, which are both misdemeanors, WESH reports.
    KC Baker, People.com, 21 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ecstasy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ecstasy. Accessed 19 May. 2025.

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