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 However, the vision to revive animals like the woolly mammoth goes far beyond creating a real-life Jurassic Park with previously extinct creatures. — Colleen McKown, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2026 Millet’s 2022 novel Dinosaurs also reflects her fascination with long extinct creatures. — Literary Hub, 6 Oct. 2026 Now, scientists have identified the extinct crocodile species that lived millions of years before the Egyptians built the structures. — Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2026 This is no castle hotel, however; instead, it's set at the base of Edinburgh's extinct volcano, Arthur's Seat. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for extinct

Recent Examples of Synonyms for extinct

Adjective

In a true turn of events that would seem almost incredulous in a Hollywood script, the boss of a now defunct production company that specialized in true crime is wanted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

— Dominic Patten, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2026
The incidents cited in the report include the payment processor WePay, which is now defunct and was acquired by JPMorgan Chase in 2017.

— Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of defunct

Adjective

An America lost to time, remembered in photos The mall’s future is now determined — and its past reveals a version of America perhaps long gone.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Oct. 2026
Suddenly, photos, videos, or important documents are just… gone.

— StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 15 May 2026

Definition of gone

Adjective

Police across the Denver metro area are targeting drivers with expired license plates and vehicle registration.

— Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026
Not only can throwing these items away keep your home functional by not keeping expired items on hand, but Jones says this also helps to reduce the visual clutter as well.

— Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of expired

Adjective

As Jack Dorsey of Block argues, corporate hierarchy is an obsolete information-routing protocol.

— Ming Lu, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
But a decade later, as streamers rely increasingly on acquisitions, co-financing and bundling, producers and distributors — far from becoming obsolete — have had to sharpen their dealmaking skills.

— Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 8 Oct. 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 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of extinct

adjective

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