Other Ways to Say “Excited”

Other Ways to Say “Excited” in English (B2–C1 Level)

Excitement is something everyone feels, whether you are stepping into a new job, setting off on an adventure, meeting someone unforgettable, or anxiously awaiting exam results. But at B2–C1 level, using the word excited on repeat can make your English feel a bit flat and, honestly, less impressive than you deserve.

The good news is that English is bursting with vibrant adjectives, idioms, and phrases to capture every shade of excitement, from quiet anticipation to joy that is almost impossible to hide.

Let’s dive into some richer, more natural ways to express excitement that will instantly boost your speaking and writing—especially if you want to impress in Cambridge exams.

Adjectives meaning “excited”

Thrilled

Meaning: Extremely happy and excited (very positive, often formal-neutral). It is excellent for formal writing, reports, and reviews.

• I was thrilled to receive this great job opportunity from the university in the USA.
• Sandra’s thrilled about the opportunity to work abroad.

Delighted

Meaning: Very pleased in a warm, controlled way.

• We were delighted to welcome our new colleagues.
• Our teacher told us that she is truly delighted with the progress we’ve made.

Elated

Meaning: Very happy due to success or good news (slightly formal).

• Mary felt elated after hearing the medical results. She finally got pregnant.
• The team was elated by their unexpected victory.

Euphoric

Meaning: Intensely excited and joyful (often emotional or dramatic).

• The crowd at the stadium was euphoric after the final goal.
• Peter felt euphoric when years of hard work finally paid off.

Buzzing

Meaning: Full of excitement and energy.

• I’m buzzing about the concert tonight.
• Everyone was buzzing with anticipation before the announcement.

Exhilarated

Meaning: Happily stimulated or energised.

• She felt exhilarated after finishing the marathon.
• The mountain air left us feeling exhilarated.

Giddy

Meaning: Silly or light-headed due to excitement.

• He felt giddy with excitement before the trip.
• The children were giddy on Christmas morning.

Idioms to express excitement

On cloud nine

Meaning: Extremely happy.

• She’s been on cloud nine since getting the promotion.

Jump for joy

Meaning: To be visibly and uncontrollably excited.

• Paul nearly jumped for joy when his boss told him about the promotion.

Over the moon

Meaning: Extremely happy.

• George was over the moon when he passed the driving test.

Like a kid in a sweet shop

Meaning: Overwhelmed with excitement and choice.

• Sheilla was like a kid in a sweet shop at the book fair.

Walking on air

Meaning: Feeling joyful and light after good news.

• Ever since the interview, he’s been walking on air.

Can’t contain myself

Meaning: Unable to hide excitement.

• I can’t contain myself — the trip is finally booked!

Natural phrases (perfect for speaking & writing)

These phrases will help your English sound effortlessly natural and fluent, whether you are chatting with friends or crafting a top-notch essay. 

• I’m really looking forward to it.
• I can’t wait to get started.
• I’m full of anticipation.
• I’m counting down the days.
• I’m eager to see what happens next.
• I’m keen to take part in the project.

Formal & exam-friendly alternatives

Ideal for essays, reports, proposals, and reviews:

• I am enthusiastic about the opportunity.
• I am highly motivated by this prospect.
• I am particularly eager to contribute.
• This development is greatly anticipated.

Common collocations with excitement

Using these collocations shows you have a real command of advanced vocabulary:

A surge of excitement

Meaning: A sudden and strong increase in excitement.

• A surge of excitement swept through the crowd as the winner was announced.

A sense of excitement

Meaning: A general feeling of excitement that is present, but not necessarily intense.

• You could feel a sense of excitement building as the event approached.

An atmosphere of excitement

Meaning: Excitement that fills a place and is shared by many people.

• The classroom buzzed with an atmosphere of excitement before the school trip.

To generate excitement

Meaning: To cause people to feel excited.

• The new course has already generated excitement within the academic community.

To share someone’s excitement

Meaning: To feel excited because someone else is excited.

• I shared her excitement about starting a new chapter in her career.

A palpable sense of excitement

Meaning: Excitement that is so strong it can almost be physically felt.

• There was a palpable sense of excitement in the room before the announcement.

Tip for learners

If you want to sound more advanced, match your excitement to the context:

• Use thrilled, delighted, enthusiastic in formal situations.
• Choose buzzing, over the moon, can’t wait in informal speech.
• Reach for idioms sparingly — one well-placed idiom beats three forced ones.

Mastering these alternatives will make your English sound more expressive, precise, and natural—the very qualities that Cambridge examiners are eager to find.

If you really want to learn English but don’t know how or where to start, don’t hesitate to contact us. Book an online English lesson with one of our certified and experienced English teachers and take a test and consultation! Tap the banner to learn more!