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 There was excessive grease and debris on the floor around the fryer, a repeat violation. Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2025 Later breakfast time was consistently connected with having physical and mental health conditions such as depression, excessive sleepiness, and dental problems. Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 5 Sep. 2025 At the same time, parents can avoid excessive monitoring, especially if their child feels their autonomy is being invaded. Alvin Thomas, The Conversation, 5 Sep. 2025 The mixture is generally safe in small amounts, but excessive intake can cause side effects, such as tooth erosion and stomach upset. Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for excessive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for excessive
Adjective
  • Ketamine therapy’s most common short-term side effects are dizziness and nausea, but in extreme cases, long-term, heavy use of ketamine is associated with memory problems, gastrointestinal issues, and urinary tract infections, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
    Rachel Hale, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Tootles’ death disproves this, showing that a hybrid being can die under extreme circumstances.
    Leia Mendoza, Variety, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • What to expect Vaughn said the boutique has something for everyone with dress sizes ranging from zero to 28 and a variety of styles from short and simple to long and extravagant.
    Emma George-Griffin, Freep.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • As the dust settles on another chaotic summer of extravagant Premier League spending, there’s time to take a step back.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Stines’ defense attorneys, Jeremy and Kerri Bartley, say the sheriff was insane at the time of the killing and want his full mental health report – which is currently sealed – released to the public.
    Andy Rose, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Making straight men insane comes with the territory on one of TV’s most-talked about shows of the last five years (House of the Dragon continues to rack up toward 10 million viewers per ep).
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Aviation resources and hand crews will play a primary role due to steep, rocky terrain and limited dozer access.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The district’s disparate parts would be connected largely by two-lane highways cutting through steep slopes of places such as the Modoc National Forest, where nervous drivers must beware of a lack of guardrails.
    David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The designer, who turned 76 on June 27, is known for her lavish birthday bashes.
    Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Some have lost fortunes due to family drama and trauma, seen their homes go up in flames or watched their money disappear due to too much partying and lavish spending.
    Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Excessive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/excessive. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on excessive

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