INORDINATE Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

inordinate

adjective

in-ˈȯr-də-nət

Definition of inordinate next

as in excessive

going beyond a normal or acceptable limit in degree or amount an inordinate number of complaints about the slow pace of snow removal around the city

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 That li’l forehead bestie can require an inordinate amount of upkeep. —

Elle Turner, Glamour, 6 June 2026 Everything felt loud and inordinate; my initial apprehension was confirmed by the exhibition’s installation design. —

James Quandt, Artforum, 2 June 2026 First, there is no denying that Busch had an inordinate amount of talent. —

Jordan Bianchi, New York Times, 24 May 2026 Inevitably, team evil has cooler powers, like Sindel’s scream and Kung Lao’s hat of doom, but in addition to allotting an inordinate amount of its combat time to Shao Kahn, who’s just a hulking guy with a hammer, the movie’s big visual idea is characters blasting one another with beams. —

Alison Willmore, Vulture, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for inordinate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inordinate

Adjective

Christensen suggests the state should instead focus on stripping back environmental regulations that make brush clearance and fire prevention costly, which would ensure state firefighters are not working excessive overtime and the state budget is not being stretched beyond its means.

— Evelyn Ronan, Sacbee.com, 25 June 2026
Last September, the group published a 336-page report affirming that ABA should be included as a basic benefit under TRICARE, without the excessive administrative barriers that have disrupted treatment for children in military families.

— Jason Kane, NBC news, 25 June 2026

Definition of excessive

Adjective

The extreme conditions are driven by a heat dome, a high pressure weather system that can trap heat for days, even weeks.

— Taylor Ward, CNN Money, 24 June 2026
That day in Redding, temperatures surged to 109 degrees, triggering an extreme heat warning for the area.

— Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 24 June 2026

Definition of extreme

Adjective

The Lenovo ThinkBook 16 Gen 8 laptop shows up ready to work with a snappy Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, insane 32GB of RAM, and spacious 2TB SSD in its (figurative) briefcase.

— K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 24 June 2026
Eventually, though, Lestat breaks, coming clean about his tumultuous past with first lover Nicolas de Lenfent (Joseph Potter), who went insane after being attacked by Armand (Assad Zaman) in Paris in the late 18th century.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 23 June 2026

Definition of insane

Adjective

The 12 palatial pool villas are even more extravagant, with infinity pools, outdoor showers, and ethereal canopy beds.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 June 2026
Fourth of July weekend is approaching fast, and Central Floridians can find a number of extravagant fireworks displays and special events to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.

— Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 2026