Definition of exorbitantnext

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of exorbitant are excessive, extravagant, extreme, immoderate, and inordinate. While all these words mean "going beyond a normal limit," exorbitant implies a departure from accepted standards regarding amount or degree.

exorbitant prices

When might excessive be a better fit than exorbitant?

Although the words excessive and exorbitant have much in common, excessive implies an amount or degree too great to be reasonable or acceptable.

excessive punishment

When would extravagant be a good substitute for exorbitant?

The words extravagant and exorbitant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, extravagant implies an indifference to restraints imposed by truth, prudence, or good taste.

extravagant claims for the product

When could extreme be used to replace exorbitant?

The meanings of extreme and exorbitant largely overlap; however, extreme may imply an approach to the farthest limit possible or conceivable but commonly means only to a notably high degree.

extreme shyness

Where would immoderate be a reasonable alternative to exorbitant?

The words immoderate and exorbitant can be used in similar contexts, but immoderate implies lack of desirable or necessary restraint.

immoderate spending

When can inordinate be used instead of exorbitant?

The synonyms inordinate and exorbitant are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 exorbitant Although compounding pharmacies have legitimate uses, they are minimally regulated and their costs can be exorbitant. Max Blau, ProPublica, 8 Sep. 2026 Legendary sports agent Leigh Steinberg explained that while Watson has hurt the Browns on the field with his play, his exorbitant contract has crippled the team's salary-cap flexibility. Ryan Canfield Outkick, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2026 France’s own prime minister has warned that reneging on the national debt would force the country to borrow at exorbitant interest rates, just as the government must turn to the bond market to raise more than $360 billion this year. Jason Ma, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2026 For weeks, lawmakers have complained about exorbitant fees for the privilege of attending their own party’s event — with some VIP tickets costing as much as $250,000 and lawmakers having to cough up $25,000 to attend. Daniel Strauss, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exorbitant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exorbitant
Adjective
  • There has been some discussion about whether tripling up on Chelsea in attack is excessive or puts too many eggs in one basket.
    Abdul Rehman, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
  • That includes the power outage shutting down cell phone networks and Sunburn deliberately not being preachy about the often-talked about mental health risks for young people from excessive technology use.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 14 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Overdosing on the drug can cause extreme drowsiness, confusion, impaired coordination, decreased reflexes, respiratory depression, coma and possible death.
    Natasha Holt, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2026
  • In the Rocky Mountains, years of extreme heat and drought have baked the landscape, drying up streams that feed the Colorado River and desiccating pastures where cattle graze.
    Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Venture through the steep, winding lanes lined with high-end boutiques and restaurants while taking in panoramic views of the sparkling blue Mediterranean Sea below.
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Stirring regularly, bring the milk to a boil over medium heat, then turn off and let steep until the rice is ready.
    ABC News, ABC News, 18 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Whereas Putin takes extravagant risks on the international stage but is loath to hold his associates accountable for incompetence, Xi is just the opposite.
    Jonathan A. Czin, The Atlantic, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Bob Mackie, the designer whose glittering, extravagant creations helped define the look of some of the 20th century’s biggest stars, has died at 87.
    Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 14 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • That everyone commits so fearlessly — and with such straight faces — to the Zellners’ berserk world-building is a joy to behold, aided by a terrific jukebox soundtrack and a chaotic, entropic plot that builds and builds to insane levels of carnage.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Sure, this sounds insane, but the real insanity is how much New York mismanages its education system and how little attention the problem receives in Albany.
    Zilvinas "Z" Silenas, New York Daily News, 14 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Exorbitant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exorbitant. Accessed 20 Sep. 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