opposite/other extreme

phrase

used to contrast something that is beyond what is normal or reasonable in one extreme with something else that is in an opposite amount or to an opposite degree beyond what is normal or reasonable
After spending lavishly for years, the company has now gone to the opposite/other extreme and has cut expenses drastically.

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Opposite/other extreme.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opposite%2Fother%20extreme. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster