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 Auctioneers say the unending fascination with the Titanic — which sank after hitting an iceberg on its maiden voyage from Europe to New York in 1912, killing more than 1,500 people — and the rarity of artifacts adds up to high demand and exorbitant prices. Patrick Whittle, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026 Alite provided loans at exorbitant rates before threatening violence to collect on them, authorities said, citing the discovery in his home of metal knuckles, an expandable baton, six baseball bats and about two dozen knives, including switchblades. ABC News, 22 June 2026 The working parents who are forced to rely on daycare – sending kids as young as a few weeks old – end up spending an exorbitant amount of money on the service. Aarushi Bhandari, The Conversation, 19 June 2026 Uber prices are exorbitant, and riders have reported waiting three hours for a pickup. Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for exorbitant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exorbitant
Adjective
  • Although not always the case, excessive heat warnings usually coincide with heat waves.
    Matthew Villafane, CBS News, 29 June 2026
  • This does not diminish concerns about excessive screen time or the value of reducing distractions during the school day.
    Ulrich Boser, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • The extreme conditions are driven by a heat dome, a high pressure weather system that can trap heat for days, even weeks.
    Taylor Ward, CNN Money, 24 June 2026
  • That day in Redding, temperatures surged to 109 degrees, triggering an extreme heat warning for the area.
    Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • Peterson would fulfill steep guard needs for the Jazz.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026
  • In this kind of unpredictable environment, putting money on the line can lead to either significant gains or steep losses for bettors.
    Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • There is always a suspension of disbelief required in luxury fashion, as designers use the runway to communicate their most extravagant, pie-in-the-sky vision of what clothes could be.
    Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 29 June 2026
  • Davis was known to the world for his extravagant style and lavish Grammy parties.
    Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • For example, Fred Again is absolutely doing insane things with the MPC Lives.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 30 June 2026
  • That dwarfs anything the powerhouse Spain teams did in the early 2010s, when the team was known for stringing together an insane number of passes that led to a goal.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 29 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Exorbitant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exorbitant. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on exorbitant

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