extravagance

noun

ex·​trav·​a·​gance ik-ˈstra-vi-gən(t)s 

1

a

: an instance of excess or prodigality

specifically : an excessive outlay of money

b

: something extravagant

A new car is an extravagance we can't afford.

2

: the quality or fact of being extravagant

the extravagance of the decorations

Synonyms of extravagance

• lavishness
• generosity
• wastefulness
• prodigality
• extravagancy
• profusion

Examples of extravagance in a Sentence

The reorganization of the department was aimed at reducing extravagance.

That coat is an extravagance that you can't afford.

Going to the play will be our one extravagance for this vacation.

I was shocked by the extravagance of their lifestyle.

The church is known for the extravagance of its architecture.

Recent Examples on the Web

The quirky period drama is based on the life of Henry Cyril Paget, the dancing Marquess of Anglesey and a flamboyant peer whose behaviour and extravagance has modern echoes. —Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 17 Feb. 2026

Cocktails sit comfortably in the high teens and up, with a few outliers that lean hard into extravagance. —Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 14 Feb. 2026

This movie thrives in absurdity and extravagance. —Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Refinery29, 12 Feb. 2026

Such extravagance was a departure from the norm at Anfield and, though Jacquet’s signing might suggest otherwise, big splurges are not expected to become routine. —Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1640, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

extravagance

noun

ex·​trav·​a·​gance ik-ˈstrav-i-gən(t)s 

1

a

: the wasteful or careless spending of money

b

: something that is extravagant

2

: the quality or fact of being extravagant