Definition of inordinatenext

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of inordinate are excessive, exorbitant, extravagant, extreme, and immoderate. While all these words mean "going beyond a normal limit," inordinate implies an exceeding of the limits dictated by reason or good judgment.

inordinate pride

When is excessive a more appropriate choice than inordinate?

The words excessive and inordinate can be used in similar contexts, but excessive implies an amount or degree too great to be reasonable or acceptable.

excessive punishment

When could exorbitant be used to replace inordinate?

The words exorbitant and inordinate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exorbitant implies a departure from accepted standards regarding amount or degree.

exorbitant prices

When can extravagant be used instead of inordinate?

The meanings of extravagant and inordinate largely overlap; however, extravagant implies an indifference to restraints imposed by truth, prudence, or good taste.

extravagant claims for the product

Where would extreme be a reasonable alternative to inordinate?

Although the words extreme and inordinate have much in common, extreme may imply an approach to the farthest limit possible or conceivable but commonly means only to a notably high degree.

extreme shyness

When is it sensible to use immoderate instead of inordinate?

The synonyms immoderate and inordinate are sometimes interchangeable, but immoderate implies lack of desirable or necessary restraint.

immoderate spending

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 inordinate The extraordinary fireworks barrage is also expected to produce an inordinate amount of smoke, so a low layer of clouds and lack of breeze could leave attendees gasping from the show—but not in the way intended. Shane Harris, The Atlantic, 3 July 2026 There's no doubt that the media played an inordinate role in allowing COVID-19 mandates and restrictions to start, expand, and continue well beyond any reasonable justification. Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2026 Families spend an inordinate amount of time navigating systems that should be working together to serve children, but often aren’t. CNN Money, 18 June 2026 Her job is one that requires inordinate calm. Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for inordinate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inordinate
Adjective
  • There has been some discussion about whether tripling up on Chelsea in attack is excessive or puts too many eggs in one basket.
    Abdul Rehman, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
  • That includes the power outage shutting down cell phone networks and Sunburn deliberately not being preachy about the often-talked about mental health risks for young people from excessive technology use.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 14 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
  • Venture through the steep, winding lanes lined with high-end boutiques and restaurants while taking in panoramic views of the sparkling blue Mediterranean Sea below.
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Stirring regularly, bring the milk to a boil over medium heat, then turn off and let steep until the rice is ready.
    ABC News, ABC News, 18 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
  • 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
  • Bob Mackie, the designer whose glittering, extravagant creations helped define the look of some of the 20th century’s biggest stars, has died at 87.
    Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 14 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Inordinate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inordinate. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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