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 These generous subsidies were always a wildly expensive and irresponsible fix for the exorbitant premiums that Obamacare itself brought about. Sally Pipes, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025 Most companies were growing like crazy and offering what at the time seemed exorbitant comp packages for new talent. Phil Blair, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Sep. 2025 In the end, the defense was on the field for an exorbitant amount of time — more than 35 minutes. Jenna West, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025 But the search continues, and despite all those pitfalls, hospitals and physicians are using unapproved tests that are available to screen patients, often at exorbitant costs. Cory Franklin, Twin Cities, 14 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for exorbitant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exorbitant
Adjective
  • The thunderstorms could also bring excessive rainfall in northern Arkansas, southern Missouri and southern Illinois, bringing a risk of flash flooding, the weather service said.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 18 Oct. 2025
  • There are risks of severe thunderstorms and excessive rainfall on Saturday from the Ozarks into the mid-Mississippi River Valley with potential for damaging winds, large hail, tornadoes, and flash flooding.
    Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In Julius Caesar Shakespeare demonstrates the extreme consequences of a lack of due process.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 23 Oct. 2025
  • For extreme pickle lovers, Jimmy John's is also offering the Triple Pickle, a meal deal that features your choice of Picklewich, Pickle Jimmy Chips, and Pickle Ranch.
    Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Dragged down by steep declines at its star brand Gucci and a bulging debt load, Kering has also been closing stores, selling real estate and reducing headcount after a dismal start to the year that saw group net profit plummet 46 percent in the first half.
    Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Black Diamond Pursuit Carbon Z Trekking Poles Over rocks and steep gravel and through the edelweiss, these trekking poles were there for me.
    Anna Fiorentino, Travel + Leisure, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Critics said Trump had pushed for the extravagant parade not to commemorate the armed forces, but as a display of his own vanity.
    NPR, NPR, 19 Oct. 2025
  • While some may view it as extravagant goods and high-end services, others see it as occasional splurges, unique experiences and good health.
    Maddie McGay, USA Today, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The outpouring of people on social media was insane.
    Wendy Grossman Kantor, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The trailer teases spicy fights, insane games, and twists.
    Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 16 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Exorbitant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exorbitant. Accessed 25 Oct. 2025.

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