Definition of extravagantnext
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Synonym Chooser

How is the word extravagant different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of extravagant are excessive, exorbitant, extreme, immoderate, and inordinate. While all these words mean "going beyond a normal limit," extravagant implies an indifference to restraints imposed by truth, prudence, or good taste.

extravagant claims for the product

When is excessive a more appropriate choice than extravagant?

While the synonyms excessive and extravagant are close in meaning, excessive implies an amount or degree too great to be reasonable or acceptable.

excessive punishment

When would exorbitant be a good substitute for extravagant?

The synonyms exorbitant and extravagant are sometimes interchangeable, but exorbitant implies a departure from accepted standards regarding amount or degree.

exorbitant prices

In what contexts can extreme take the place of extravagant?

While in some cases nearly identical to extravagant, extreme may imply an approach to the farthest limit possible or conceivable but commonly means only to a notably high degree.

extreme shyness

Where would immoderate be a reasonable alternative to extravagant?

In some situations, the words immoderate and extravagant are roughly equivalent. However, immoderate implies lack of desirable or necessary restraint.

immoderate spending

When is it sensible to use inordinate instead of extravagant?

The meanings of inordinate and extravagant largely overlap; however, inordinate implies an exceeding of the limits dictated by reason or good judgment.

inordinate pride

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 extravagant Their wedding was marked by an extravagant ceremony and reception at an Italian castle that cost more than $3 million, according to E! Isabel Jones, InStyle, 16 Sep. 2026 Whereas Putin takes extravagant risks on the international stage but is loath to hold his associates accountable for incompetence, Xi is just the opposite. Jonathan A. Czin, The Atlantic, 14 Sep. 2026 Colman Domingo, Pamela Anderson, Simone Biles, and more A-listers gathered under the glow of natural candlelight for an extravagant dinner at The Pool in Manhattan on Thursday, united for an evening to end violence against women and children. Kenneal Patterson, Vanity Fair, 11 Sep. 2026 Even on a Tuesday, it was packed to the brim with guests dressed in quiet luxury brands ready for extravagant East Coast dining. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for extravagant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extravagant
Adjective
  • Officials frequently approved reimbursement after travel had already happened, and failed to require consultants to provide documentation like receipts, violating contract rules around wasteful spending.
    Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Tightening accountability, closing loopholes, and ending wasteful corporate handouts would generate revenue without raising taxes on working families.
    Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • There’s a marginal risk of excessive rainfall for each afternoon through Wednesday, according to the weather service.
    Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Avoid excessive moisture and never pour water into the main unit.
    Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 20 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • David Greene was a bravura visualist, using expensive helicopter shots to capture us running through Central Park’s Sheep Meadow and dancing atop one of the World Trade Center towers.
    Victor Garber, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026
  • That could become increasingly important for advanced military engines, where complex components and relatively small production runs can make traditional manufacturing processes time-consuming and expensive.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 16 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • With local cops, plagued by rumors of departmental misdeeds, looking for a peaceful solution and federal authorities contemplating extreme action, the situation escalates.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 19 Sep. 2026
  • But winter and spring brought extreme drought when the wheat needed moisture to establish itself.
    Joshua A. Bickel, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • And one of its most valuable assets is the ground game’s ability to open up the passing offense.
    Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026
  • However, conventional disposal tactics like landfills and incineration trigger severe environmental pollution while squandering valuable resources.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 21 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • That everyone commits so fearlessly — and with such straight faces — to the Zellners’ berserk world-building is a joy to behold, aided by a terrific jukebox soundtrack and a chaotic, entropic plot that builds and builds to insane levels of carnage.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Sure, this sounds insane, but the real insanity is how much New York mismanages its education system and how little attention the problem receives in Albany.
    Zilvinas "Z" Silenas, New York Daily News, 14 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Nazareth 17, Providence 7 Providence senior Broden Mackert ran for 119 yards on 18 carries Friday night, including a 23-yard touchdown run as the Celtics tried to rally in the fourth quarter, but four turnovers proved costly.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Sellers went 25-of-40 passing for 282 yards, two touchdowns with the two costly interceptions after the Gamecocks lost the lead.
    ABC News, ABC News, 19 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Zendaya chose a glittering Prada gown bedecked in shimmering crystals with a plunging tulle neckline, along with Mikimoto jewelry, including lavish pearl-and-diamond earrings and two rings from the Petals collection.
    Meg Walters, InStyle, 19 Sep. 2026
  • The short clip highlights a lavish chandelier and floral centerpieces, and even shows Melania carefully arranging elegant silverware and glassware on the dinner table.
    StyleCaster Editors, StyleCaster, 19 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Extravagant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extravagant. Accessed 24 Sep. 2026.

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