Synonym Chooser

How is the word excessive different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of excessive are exorbitant, extravagant, extreme, immoderate, and inordinate. While all these words mean "going beyond a normal limit," excessive implies an amount or degree too great to be reasonable or acceptable.

excessive punishment

When is exorbitant a more appropriate choice than excessive?

The words exorbitant and excessive can be used in similar contexts, but exorbitant implies a departure from accepted standards regarding amount or degree.

exorbitant prices

Where would extravagant be a reasonable alternative to excessive?

While the synonyms extravagant and excessive are close in meaning, extravagant implies an indifference to restraints imposed by truth, prudence, or good taste.

extravagant claims for the product

When might extreme be a better fit than excessive?

Although the words extreme and excessive 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 can immoderate be used instead of excessive?

The words immoderate and excessive are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, immoderate implies lack of desirable or necessary restraint.

immoderate spending

When is it sensible to use inordinate instead of excessive?

The meanings of inordinate and excessive largely overlap; however, inordinate implies an exceeding of the limits dictated by reason or good judgment.

inordinate pride

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 excessive Following the reveal of the shortfall in mid-June, MCTS reported the deficit was a result of low productivity, overbilling from the agency's paratransit provider, and excessive overtime. Vanessa Swales, jsonline.com, 17 Oct. 2025 However, some of these areas may experience excessive rainfall at an accelerated rate, which could lead to instances of flash flooding. Kenton Gewecke, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2025 The lawsuit alleged the Louisville Metro Police Department used excessive force, violating protesters' rights. Killian Baarlaer, Louisville Courier Journal, 17 Oct. 2025 Warm-season grasses can be injured by the effects of fertilizers containing excessive nitrogen if applied in the fall. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for excessive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for excessive
Adjective
  • In Julius Caesar Shakespeare demonstrates the extreme consequences of a lack of due process.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 23 Oct. 2025
  • For extreme pickle lovers, Jimmy John's is also offering the Triple Pickle, a meal deal that features your choice of Picklewich, Pickle Jimmy Chips, and Pickle Ranch.
    Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Critics said Trump had pushed for the extravagant parade not to commemorate the armed forces, but as a display of his own vanity.
    NPR, NPR, 19 Oct. 2025
  • While some may view it as extravagant goods and high-end services, others see it as occasional splurges, unique experiences and good health.
    Maddie McGay, USA Today, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The outpouring of people on social media was insane.
    Wendy Grossman Kantor, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The trailer teases spicy fights, insane games, and twists.
    Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Of course, this is an extremely limited release and the price that commands a steep price.
    Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Bunch says ridership stayed stable at a time when most cities saw steep drops.
    Joel Rose, NPR, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • One of the most lavish items in the collection actually survived the heist, though it was reportedly damaged when the thieves were interrupted by guards and dropped the piece to flee.
    Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025
  • The lavish palette consists of golds and purples, along with layered textures that glow against the desert light.
    David Morris, Travel + Leisure, 20 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Excessive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/excessive. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

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