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 One was a bald comedian with glasses who complained constantly and had an inordinate fear of halitosis. Larry David, New Yorker, 28 Aug. 2025 Factory ships deplete fisheries in a matter of years and an inordinate amount of sea life also perishes in their nets. Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 12 Aug. 2025 New car buyers pay a premium Car buyers pay an inordinate premium for new vehicles. Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 9 Aug. 2025 The parents spend an inordinate amount of time bringing them food and keeping a close eye on them. Monica Deeks, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inordinate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inordinate
Adjective
  • On Sunday, a 15% chance of flash flooding from excessive rainfall exists along the coast from Ocean City, Maryland to Cape Cod.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 11 Oct. 2025
  • The problem arises when excessive dust, dirt, and hair accumulate around the coils, preventing them from performing their job adequately.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Operating at the extreme fringes is also an effective strategy for maximizing exposure in the algorithm, which explains why popular influencers such as the Nelk Boys and Jake Paul started their YouTube careers as prank peddlers, before leaning into more overtly political content.
    T. M. Brown, New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Caving—which is the more extreme cousin to spelunking—is physically and mentally challenging but also adrenaline fueled and just plain fun, too.
    Heide Brandes, AFAR Media, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Falcons sacked McCarthy six times on the way to a 22-6 win, but playing against Allen will present a much steeper challenge.
    Josh Kendall, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Want access to even steeper discounts?
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Despite being found guilty, Gein was also declared insane and unable to stand trial.
    Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025
  • The Sony Bravia 8 II 65-inch Smart TV is a living room flex with its insane color, crisp contrast, and movie-theater-like sound.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Yet even this make-do meal felt extravagant.
    Reem Kassis, The Atlantic, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Condon created his newest adaptation by blending the novel's grittiness and its extravagant Broadway adaptation, effectively taking audiences on a journey between reality and fantasy.
    Nicole Acevedo, NBC news, 9 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inordinate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inordinate. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on inordinate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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