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 Instead, streamers like Netflix will pay a more exorbitant upfront fee to the major players involved in a streaming release. Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 20 Jan. 2026 Understandably, fans paying exorbitant ticket prices ask about that. Michael Walker, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2026 Montefiore added the union is also pushing for an exorbitant increase in pay. Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 12 Jan. 2026 Despite the Black Friday-esque lines, limited quantities and third-party resellers listing the bags for exorbitant prices, the tote is considered a must-have as fans show up each time a new batch is released in-store. Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exorbitant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exorbitant
Adjective
  • Commissioners dismissed the allegations related to donor information but found that Ellis had accepted excessive contributions.
    Chaya Tong, Austin American Statesman, 29 Jan. 2026
  • The restrictions, known as a consent decree, were a result of a 2017 lawsuit over excessive use of solitary confinement and pepper spray on inmates.
    Molly Beck, jsonline.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Engineers can test extreme scenarios without physical risk.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Research has shown that images of extreme violence can impact mental health, increasing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
    Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • On the continental shelf, these areas are located in shallower waters rich in nutrients, often associated with colder waters and steep seabed slopes that bring food to the surface.
    Rodrigo Tardin, The Conversation, 26 Jan. 2026
  • Shop steep sales on quilts, duvet covers, and more cozy bedroom essentials.
    Jamie Fischer, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The Veyron was Volkswagen Group at its most extravagant and ambitious, and that’s saying something for its time.
    Byron Hurd, The Drive, 22 Jan. 2026
  • President Abraham Lincoln wore cravats, as did Hollywood actor Cary Grant and the extravagant entertainer Liberace.
    Kristina Kukolja, NPR, 21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • And there’s Harrison Ford, which is insane.
    Senior Television, Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2026
  • But that’s an indictment of our insane world, not Roher’s filmmaking.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 27 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Exorbitant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exorbitant. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.

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