ex·tinct
ik-ˈstiŋ(k)t 
ˈek-ˌstiŋ(k)t
ˈek-ˌstiŋ(k)t
1
a
: no longer burning
b
: no longer active
an extinct volcano
2
: no longer existing
an extinct animal
3
a
: gone out of use : superseded
b
: having no qualified claimant
an extinct title
Examples of extinct in a Sentence
Adjective
Many of these old traditions have since become extinct.
a few overgrown ruins are all that remain of that once mighty but now extinct civilization
Recent Examples on the Web
Ryan Green, Scientific American, 6 Aug. 2025
Meanwhile, pensions are largely extinct except in government, 401(k)s are too often spotty as replacements, and rent absorbs a huge chunk of paychecks for those without equity.
—Clyde Wayne Crews Jr, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025
Without it, the rare desert population might soon go extinct.
—Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 1 Aug. 2025
About 10 years ago, sunflower sea stars went locally extinct in large parts of California and Oregon due an outbreak of wasting disease in 2013.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for extinct
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Adjective
Since its passing, not a single marine mammal species in U.S. waters has gone extinct, even as use of the ocean has increased.
—Ryan Green, Scientific American, 6 Aug. 2025
Meanwhile, pensions are largely extinct except in government, 401(k)s are too often spotty as replacements, and rent absorbs a huge chunk of paychecks for those without equity.
—Clyde Wayne Crews Jr, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025
Without it, the rare desert population might soon go extinct.
—Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 1 Aug. 2025
About 10 years ago, sunflower sea stars went locally extinct in large parts of California and Oregon due an outbreak of wasting disease in 2013.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for extinct
Cite this Entry
“Extinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extinct. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
extinct
adjective
ex·tinct
ik-ˈstiŋ(k)t
ˈek-ˌ
ˈek-ˌ
: no longer existing : lacking living representatives
extinct prehistoric animals
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