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 Many white residents in East Flatbush had succumbed to racist fearmongering by real-estate speculators and sold their home for a fraction of the assessed value; the speculators sold those homes to Black buyers at exorbitant interest rates. Michael Powell, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2026 The exorbitant cost of housing. Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026 The Cut Buddy's tariff bills became erratic and exorbitant. Scott Horsley, NPR, 9 Feb. 2026 With a limited number of tickets and exorbitant prices of more than $1,000 a piece, die-hard fans are resorting to desperate measures to get cash. Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 6 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exorbitant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exorbitant
Adjective
  • Although the Bobcats scored more points in the paint, their inability to stop the Eagles' forward on the interior led to excessive fouling.
    Caleb Yum, Austin American Statesman, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Critics say it was often used to justify excessive force by police.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Massie’s comments shined a new spotlight on Les Wexner, the former owner of Victoria’s Secret, who is one of the most mysterious figures in Epstein’s orbit – a key player in helping the financier’s rise to extreme wealth, whose motivations and ties to Epstein have long been a source of speculation.
    Curt Devine, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026
  • That means potential payoffs but also extreme danger.
    James Ward, USA Today, 18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The seven-time All-Star made his first seven shots with five 3-pointers amid raucous cheers from the extra-steep supporters’ section called The Wall behind one basket at this futuristic 18-month-old arena.
    Greg Beacham, Twin Cities, 16 Feb. 2026
  • The seven-time All-Star made his first seven shots with five 3-pointers amid raucous cheers from the extra-steep supporters' section called The Wall behind one basket at this futuristic 18-month-old arena.
    CBS News, CBS News, 16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • For the 2026 reimagining, Fennell worked with costume designer Jacqueline Durran to create dozens of costumes (Cathy alone, played by Margot Robbie, had 50) that were heavily inspired by the extravagant, unselfconscious and campy outfits of the mid-century.
    Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 12 Feb. 2026
  • One-upmanship, extravagant architectural plans, and a comparatively short construction schedule result in big bills, which are often not reflected in the original bids.
    The Week US, TheWeek, 9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Last week, the wind-power green scam artists were back in federal court, arguing to be permitted to keep squandering billions more on those insane offshore windmills that produce next to no energy, but plenty of pollution.
    Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 1 Feb. 2026
  • That’s the best reaction to these stupid, insane men ruling the world now and trying to grab and dominate the world.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 31 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Exorbitant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exorbitant. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on exorbitant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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