Thrilling

adj.joyful, energeticeveryday

What it means

Causing intense, pleasurable excitement.

Reach for it when describing an event or experience whose energy and uncertainty create delight

The final relay was thrilling because the lead changed three times.

playful
hair-raising
when fear and excitement mingle in an informal account
not when Hair-raising suggests fear, making it a poor choice for dignified praise.
playful
sensational
when spectacular impact is openly celebrated
not when Sensational can imply hype or scandal rather than real quality.
everyday
exciting
when high interest and anticipation are enough
not when Exciting can describe anticipated plans before any thrilling experience occurs.
warm
stirring
when strong emotion rather than suspense is the main effect
not when Stirring may be solemn or patriotic without being thrilling.
professional
gripping
when sustained attention and suspense are central
not when Gripping can describe grim material that is not pleasurable.
professional
riveting
when attention cannot easily be pulled away
not when Riveting concerns absorption and may lack excitement.
formal
exhilarating
when excitement feels invigorating or freeing
not when Exhilarating overstates a tense but enjoyable intellectual contest.
literary
electrifying
when sudden energy sweeps through an audience
not when Electrifying is inflated for a quietly absorbing experience.

thrilling finish
A thrilling finish brought both teams to their feet.
thrilling experience
The first solo flight was a thrilling experience after years of patient training.
absolutely thrilling
Hearing the lost recording restored was absolutely thrilling.

The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.