Exciting vs. Thrilling — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 25, 2024
Exciting and thrilling both describe experiences that arouse emotion, but thrilling typically implies a higher level of intensity and adrenaline.
Difference Between Exciting and Thrilling
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Exciting experiences provoke interest and enthusiasm, such as discovering a new hobby or visiting a new city. While thrilling experiences, on the other hand, often involve higher stakes and evoke a stronger emotional response, like skydiving or watching a suspenseful movie.
In the context of entertainment, an exciting movie might have intriguing plot twists and dynamic characters, whereas a thrilling movie would include intense scenes that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The difference lies in the degree of emotional engagement and tension experienced.
When discussing personal experiences, describing something as exciting usually implies a pleasant arousal, such as starting a new job. Thrilling, however, is used for situations that involve a rush of adrenaline, such as racing in a competition.
In literature, authors may choose "exciting" to describe a plot that is engaging and keeps readers interested through curiosity and anticipation. "Thrilling," however, is used to describe scenes that involve danger, suspense, or high drama, captivating readers by stimulating their fear or excitement to a greater extent.
Marketing strategies also reflect these nuances; products advertised as "exciting" are typically innovative or beneficial, aiming to attract customer interest. Products or events advertised as "thrilling" are meant to promise an intense, unforgettable experience, appealing to those seeking adventure or extreme enjoyment.
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Comparison Chart
Emotional Intensity
Moderate, arouses curiosity and interest
High, arouses intense emotions and suspense
Typical Contexts
New experiences, innovations, discoveries
High-risk activities, suspenseful entertainment
Audience Reaction
Engaged, interested
On the edge, adrenaline-pumped
Usage in Literature
Engaging plots, dynamic characters
Dangerous scenes, high drama
Marketing Appeal
Innovative, beneficial products
Intense experiences, adventure-seeking
Compare with Definitions
Exciting
Arousing enthusiasm and interest.
The idea of traveling around Europe was exciting for her.
Thrilling
Marked by sensations of heightened excitement.
The roller coaster ride was thrilling from start to finish.
Exciting
Causing excitement.
The vibrant festival atmosphere was exciting.
Thrilling
Causing a high level of excitement.
The thriller movie was truly thrilling, with its unexpected twists.
Exciting
Provoking eagerness and anticipation.
The upcoming product launch is exciting the tech community.
Thrilling
Producing a sudden, intense feeling of excitement.
The final seconds of the game were absolutely thrilling.
Exciting
Energetic and lively.
The party had an exciting vibe that everyone enjoyed.
Thrilling
Extremely engaging or fascinating.
The detective's thrilling chase captivated all the readers.
Exciting
Invigorating and stimulating.
He found the new project at work exciting.
Thrilling
Invoking fear or excitement through danger or adventure.
The haunted house experience was thrilling and terrifying.
Exciting
Creating or producing excitement
An exciting adventure story.
Thrilling
Thrilling is a 1965 Italian comedy film. The film is split into three distinct segments, each directed by a different director; namely Carlo Lizzani, Ettore Scola and Gian Luigi Polidoro.
Exciting
Present participle of excite
Thrilling
To cause to feel a sudden sensation of pleasure or delight; excite greatly
Was thrilled to learn that she had won the contest.
Exciting
Creating or producing excitement
Thrilling
To cause to quiver, tremble, or vibrate.
Exciting
The process of something becoming excited; excitation.
Thrilling
To feel a sudden sensation of pleasure or delight
"His answer came that afternoon and she thrilled to see the handwriting" (Susan Minot).
Exciting
Calling or rousing into action; producing excitement; as, exciting events; an exciting story.
Thrilling
To quiver, tremble, or vibrate.
Exciting
Creating or arousing excitement;
An exciting account of her trip
Thrilling
A sudden feeling of pleasure or excitement
It gave him a thrill to learn their secret.
Exciting
Stimulating interest and discussion;
An exciting novel
Thrilling
A source or cause of pleasure or excitement
The thrills of the amusement park.
Thrilling
A quivering or trembling caused by sudden excitement or emotion.
Thrilling
(Medicine) A slight palpable vibration associated with a cardiac murmur and certain other cardiac or respiratory conditions.
Thrilling
Inflection of thrill
Thrilling
Causing a feeling of sudden excitement.
Thrilling
A thrill.
Thrilling
Causing a thrill; causing tremulous excitement; deeply moving; as, a thrilling romance.
Thrilling
Causing a surge of emotion or excitement;
She gave a electrifying performance
A thrilling performer to watch
Thrilling
Causing quivering or shivering as by cold or fear or electric shock;
A thrilling wind blew off the frozen lake
Common Curiosities
Can a movie be both exciting and thrilling?
Yes, a movie can be both, depending on its elements of interest and intense scenes.
What does exciting mean?
It refers to something that arouses interest and enthusiasm.
Which term is stronger, exciting or thrilling?
Thrilling is generally considered to have a higher emotional intensity.
What does thrilling mean?
It refers to something that produces intense excitement, often involving danger or suspense.
Can exciting ever imply a negative experience?
Usually, it implies a positive experience, but context can shift its connotation.
Are there genres of books specifically known for being thrilling?
Yes, genres like thriller, horror, and some adventure stories are known for being thrilling.
What type of activities are usually considered thrilling?
Activities like bungee jumping, racing, or extreme sports are typically considered thrilling.
Is thrilling always associated with danger?
Not always, but it often involves scenarios that can stimulate adrenaline.
What makes an experience exciting?
Newness, innovation, and the potential for personal growth or enjoyment can make an experience exciting.
How do marketers use the term thrilling?
They use it to attract an audience looking for intense, adrenaline-pumping experiences.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
