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 Explore the exquisite home haunts of Burbank The San Fernando Valley, especially in Burbank, is a region now known for extravagant, do-it-yourself Halloween displays. — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026 Trends highlighted at the show’s forum included a return to ’90s glam, extroverted and extravagant frames and sporty silhouettes. — Alex Wynne, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026 The blue carpet at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles was a sea of extravagant and unconventional ensembles featuring plenty of fur, feathers, and fringe. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 28 Sep. 2026 What was your first extravagant purchase from your Dune money? — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for extravagant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extravagant
Adjective
  • Supporters say the measure aims to cut wasteful government spending by requiring audits for new state special taxes.
    — Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Congressional Republicans got rid of the EV tax credit last year after long arguing that markets, not the government, should influence what Americans drive, and dubbed the tax credit wasteful spending.
    — Willa Rubin, NPR, 30 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The statement, which named neither Hur nor anyone else, accepted that every film attracts harsh reviews along with praise, and asked who could draw an exact line between fair and excessive criticism.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026
  • His decision to have Sale close out Game 3 of the NL Wild Card Series and throw 21 pitches was cast as excessive.
    — Ken Sugiura, AJC.com, 5 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • But manufacturers also sometimes diluted more expensive olive oil and lard with cheap cottonseed oil.
    — Edward D. Melillo, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Paying Ukrainian soldiers is the government’s most essential and expensive task.
    — Dmytro Kuleba, Foreign Affairs, 30 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Without intervention, those numbers will only grow as extreme events worsen.
    — Justin Worland, Time, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Kenya's National Transport and Safety Authority called upon all motorists to exercise extreme caution, avoid dangerous overtaking and strictly observe lane discipline.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • There’s no player more valuable on the back end of USC’s defense.
    — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Chinese scientists have developed a 250-kilowatt system that can produce hydrogen and fresh water from seawater while recovering valuable marine resources.
    — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • In particular, users are gravitating towards — and posting their own covers of — the bridge, which finds Williams belting insane high notes.
    — Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Evidently, the Manhunter released gas that drove Antaan’s people insane, forcing many of them to jump to their deaths.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 27 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Their expertise helps prevent costly complications and improves the efficiency of our health-care system.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Oct. 2026
  • The fourth concluded with Willis’ second costly lost fumble in two weeks, after Dallas Turner beat Austin Jackson.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • All gaps in time and momentum can be smoothed over by Laura Karpman’s lush and lavish score.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The black-tie event will feature live entertainment, a lavish dinner, and a major fireworks display across the Dubai skyline.
    — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Extravagant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extravagant. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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