Definition of extravagantnext
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Synonym Chooser

How is the word extravagant different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of extravagant are excessive, exorbitant, extreme, immoderate, and inordinate. While all these words mean "going beyond a normal limit," extravagant implies an indifference to restraints imposed by truth, prudence, or good taste.

extravagant claims for the product

When is excessive a more appropriate choice than extravagant?

While the synonyms excessive and extravagant are close in meaning, excessive implies an amount or degree too great to be reasonable or acceptable.

excessive punishment

When would exorbitant be a good substitute for extravagant?

The synonyms exorbitant and extravagant are sometimes interchangeable, but exorbitant implies a departure from accepted standards regarding amount or degree.

exorbitant prices

In what contexts can extreme take the place of extravagant?

While in some cases nearly identical to extravagant, 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 extravagant?

In some situations, the words immoderate and extravagant are roughly equivalent. However, immoderate implies lack of desirable or necessary restraint.

immoderate spending

When is it sensible to use inordinate instead of extravagant?

The meanings of inordinate and extravagant largely overlap; however, 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 extravagant If redecorating or doing something to beautify your home, be careful about being too extravagant. Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 6 Jan. 2026 The extravagant decade is also on WGSN’s radar, which named opulent gold a key trend driver for the year. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 5 Jan. 2026 So the car idea didn’t come from Barkov, a know fan of extravagant vehicles? Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 3 Jan. 2026 Combine this with a regular speaking schedule and associated ventures, and someone like Smith could make a comfortable, if not extravagant, life for himself in Hollywood. Sam Kestenbaum, Vulture, 2 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for extravagant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extravagant
Adjective
  • Trump has criticized the renovations as excessive and wasteful while Powell calls them needed improvements to the century-old headquarters.
    Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 12 Jan. 2026
  • As was mentioned in your editorial, the Broward school district has been incompetently managed, wasteful and corrupt for years.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • This can include excessive trim details, contrasting paint colors on every wall, or ceiling features that are too deep or too busy for the size of the room.
    Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 15 Jan. 2026
  • The President’s threat landed hours after a judge decided not to issue a temporary restraining order after Minnesota and the Twin Cities filed a lawsuit against federal officials, citing excessive force being used by agents.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • As for the least expensive month, September tends to be the cheapest time to visit, along with August.
    Marina Watts, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026
  • Traditional humanoid robots depend heavily on data collected by human operators, which is slow and expensive.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • An extreme cold watch is issued when dangerously cold air temperatures or wind chill values are possible.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Here, sea level rise is accelerating at some of the most extreme rates on Earth, while hurricanes increasingly are swirling ashore with an unprecedented ferociousness.
    Amy Green, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Pisol Butter Dish This butter dish has proven to be one of my most valuable fridge accessories yet.
    Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026
  • There’s nothing a crisp white button-up can’t do ( wear it as a beach cover-up, office blouse, cozy layer, or casual throw-on)—making this buy extra valuable at 57 percent off.
    Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 14 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Code Pink is a bunch of insane radicals and someone could have gotten hurt.
    Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Jan. 2026
  • At 5-foot-8 and 140 pounds, Keira is the first to admit she’s not blessed with insane athletic ability.
    Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Kunz says surrounding structures like ceilings, floors, and walls can all need costly repairs once all is said and done.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 11 Jan. 2026
  • These water issues suggest potentially costly problems with the foundation, mold, or drainage system.
    Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The lavish lifestyle, previously kept in the dark, was now out in the open.
    Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026
  • Several design vestiges remain from its heyday welcoming famous guests, lavish parties and cabaret shows including the iconic landmark neon sign at the top of the building.
    Sara Liss, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Extravagant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extravagant. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on extravagant

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