Synonyms of extinct

extinct

adjective

ik-ˈstiŋ(k)t 

as in defunct

no longer existing

a few overgrown ruins are all that remain of that once mighty but now extinct civilization

Synonyms & Similar Words

• defunct
• vanished
• gone
• expired
• obsolete
• done
• departed
• dead
• bygone
• faded
• fallen
• dying
• antiquated
• nonexistent
• nonextant
• moribund
• bypast
• collapsed
• lost
• terminated
• dated
• missing
• lapsed
• passé
• finished
• overthrown

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• alive
• existing
• extant
• living
• active
• existent
• dynamic
• thriving
• vibrant

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of extinct

Excavators uncovered stone artifacts and bones of Stegodon florensis insularis, a bison-size extinct relative of elephants, near the Homo floresiensis fossils. — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 3 July 2026

Pittsburgh's National Aviary recently hatched two Guam kingfisher chicks, a species extinct in the wild. — Finch Walker, USA Today, 3 July 2026

Also on the team is Ben Lamm, a billionaire working to revive extinct species. — CBS News, 1 July 2026

Nearly extinct until recent revival efforts, this indigenous Cypriot variety produces a white wine that combines notes of white peach, quince and wildflowers with subtle spice and lively acidity. — Emily Cappiello, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026