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 Most companies didn’t budget for the exorbitant cost of AI tokens, but no company can function without them, Box CEO Aaron Levie told Semafor’s Reed Albergotti at the Semafor Tech summit in San Francisco. Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 11 June 2026 On top of the huge costs for hosts, the run-up to the World Cup has been marred by reports of exorbitant ticket prices, high transit costs, lackluster hotel bookings and other non-fan friendly restrictions. Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 10 June 2026 He's also being paid an exorbitant salary to race for Ferrari. Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 8 June 2026 This, combined with exorbitant healthcare costs—Americans pay the most for healthcare of any nation in the world—is driving those 65 and over to spend their golden years abroad. Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for exorbitant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exorbitant
Adjective
  • Too much iron can be dangerous, and excessive vitamin D may lead to high calcium levels and other complications.
    Sara Hoffman, Verywell Health, 18 June 2026
  • Study author Alexandros Vgontzas, MD, director of the Sleep Research and Treatment Center at Penn State College of Medicine, told Health the results suggest that excessive daytime sleepiness and prolonged sleep latency may be important risk factors for hypertension.
    Zoe Cunniffe, Health, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • After the game, the team were addressed by a group of government officials who, according to Ilunga at least, threatened them with extreme consequences if things went really badly in their game against Brazil.
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 17 June 2026
  • After all the angst about traffic, high ticket prices, long security lines and extreme heat, stadium operations ran relatively smoothly.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • In one of them he was seen hanging from the edge of a rocky cliff using his bare hands, his legs dangling toward a steep slope in a risky performance without safety equipment.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 16 June 2026
  • Echoing this enthusiasm, President and CEO Sean Dalfen said finding high-quality assets at such a steep discount is increasingly rare, offering the firm strong in-place cash flow alongside flexible exit strategies.
    Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • Members of the monarchy wave from carriages, aristocrats don faintly cartoonish top hats and extravagant millinery threatens to obscure the view at every turn.
    Sheena McKenzie, CNN Money, 19 June 2026
  • The speakeasy-style room glows with a gold-leaf ceiling, ochre velvet sofas, and an extravagant cocktail menu.
    Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • That’s an insane thing to believe.
    Holly Gleason, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
  • And ultimately, the premise of the show is insane horror tropes are happening to boring, normal people.
    Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 18 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Exorbitant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exorbitant. Accessed 21 Jun. 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