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 His face registers every chord or riff with what could be torture or ecstasy. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Feb. 2025 The ache at the sight of an empty mailbox was, in my memory, more than balanced out by the ecstasy at the letter that finally arrived. Melissa Kirsch, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2025 Those three drugs alone have made up over 93% of seizures in recent years, while ecstasy, fentanyl, heroin, ketamine, LSD and methamphetamine make up the majority of the remaining 7%. Kate Linderman, Miami Herald, 6 Feb. 2025 Still, inhalant abuse is less prevalent than party drugs like ecstasy or cocaine. Rachel Hale, USA TODAY, 14 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ecstasy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ecstasy
Noun
  • The lifestyle series sees the Duchess of Sussex and celebrity friends like Roy Choi, Mindy Kaling, and Alice Waters sharing personal tips and tricks, with the intention of showcasing the joys of cooking, gardening, entertaining, and friendship.
    Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Part of the joy of the job is the ability to initiate some innovative changes at the winery.
    Liz Thach, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • However, each summer, the Nevada Northern Railway company in Ely, Nevada, offers a weekly Star Train; travelers can board the train with rangers from the park to chug into the reserve to learn about the heavens.
    Nile Cappello, AFAR Media, 27 Dec. 2024
  • In the meantime, enjoy the beauty that is the Great Nebula of Orion in the late winter heavens.
    Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 16 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Through liberating song and dance and bold visuals, this odyssey follows the journey of four remarkable women in Mexico, each pursuing their own happiness.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 3 Mar. 2025
  • That happiness was quickly tempered as OA and the team discovered that Gemma, who was raised on the Upper East Side in a world of penthouses and private schools, had some unsavory friends.
    Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • In the delivery room, that feeling of euphoria shattered moments after the baby boy was born.
    Doc Louallen, ABC News, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Her partnership with Larry Tanenbaum’s Kilmer Sports Ventures signals the future of the league itself, as the WNBA is experiencing a moment of euphoria.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 4 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The chorizo and potato taco is a delight, featuring chunks of potato rich with spicy pork fat and bits of salty meat.
    Edmund Tijerina, Bon Appétit, 27 Feb. 2025
  • The celebrity casting this season was particularly striking with a nod to the British talent featured throughout, adding an element of surprise and delight, from Alexa Chung, Fiona Shaw and Bel Powley at Simone Rocha to Richard E. Grant, Lesley Manville, Jason Isaacs and Naomi Campbell at Burberry.
    Tianwei Zhang, WWD, 25 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • On the record, audiophiles can hear celestial and gentle percussion, thumping bass, hypnotic synths, Gray’s own vocals, a buildup that crescendos into a drop that sparks pure elation, symphonic sounds and more.
    Lisa Kocay, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Frustration for Buffalo and elation for the defending champs: The Cook push: Fourth-and-goal, down five points in blustery Kansas City.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, The Athletic, 13 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • See Our Guide Charlottesville Charlottesville is a pleasure to visit due to its tasty food scene and a plethora of beautiful shops, including a vast selection of antique stores.
    Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 2 Mar. 2025
  • In pleasure, this retrograde revealed how emotional safety and erotic freedom were deeply connected, possibly inviting a softer, more intentional relationship with personal needs.
    Colin Bedell, Them, 28 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • More details on Liam Payne's state of intoxication before his death have been released.
    Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2025
  • McPherson has a deft touch with the material, lightly capturing the fierce idealism of Doctor Astrov’s (a riveting John Benjamin Hickey) battle to save the forests and the woozy intoxication of Sonya’s (Melanie Field) crush.
    Karen D'Souza, The Mercury News, 21 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ecstasy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ecstasy. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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