EXTINCT Synonyms: 35 Similar and Opposite Words

extinct

adjective

ik-ˈstiŋ(k)t

Definition of extinct

as in defunct

no longer existing a few overgrown ruins are all that remain of that once mighty but now extinct civilization

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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 extinct These are religions that, at least in their original shape, have gone extinct for a good reason. — Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 5 Aug. 2026 This coexistence proves that the species hasn’t gone extinct yet. — Margherita Bassi, Popular Science, 5 Aug. 2026 Sadly now extinct, the island was once home to the largest bird in the world, the incredible elephant bird. — Lydia Swinscoe, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026 As Wendorf points out, some 99% of the species that have ever existed are now extinct or have evolved into new forms. — Nell Derick Debevoise Dewey, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for extinct

Recent Examples of Synonyms for extinct

Adjective

The Dania Beach headquarters campus that once served as the nerve center of now-defunct Spirit Airlines has been sold to a Boston hedge fund that served as the stalking horse bidder in a bankruptcy court auction.

— David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026
When one engine says something the others do not—an old title, a defunct affiliation, a dismissed lawsuit, a company the executive left—that is where the containment work has to happen.

— Ronn Torossian, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of defunct

Adjective

Meanwhile, the legal-services groups under the expired contract are trying to figure out how to continue to represent their existing clients despite the lack of funds, all while new unaccompanied minors detained by ICE are turning up in shelters.

— Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 15 Aug. 2026
However, the available data covered only certain older models that reported to the expired domain.

— Jesse Watson , Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of expired

Adjective

The key difference between these projects and the more artisanal ones being embraced by China and others is that their purpose remains primarily legalistic, focused on achieving change by adhering to increasingly obsolete frameworks.

— Mark Leonard, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026
This doesn’t make information architecture obsolete by any means.

— Dave Foster, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of obsolete

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externships

extinct

extinction

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“Extinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extinct. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of extinct

adjective

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