Definition of inordinatenext

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of inordinate are excessive, exorbitant, extravagant, extreme, and immoderate. While all these words mean "going beyond a normal limit," inordinate implies an exceeding of the limits dictated by reason or good judgment.

inordinate pride

When is excessive a more appropriate choice than inordinate?

The words excessive and inordinate can be used in similar contexts, but excessive implies an amount or degree too great to be reasonable or acceptable.

excessive punishment

When could exorbitant be used to replace inordinate?

The words exorbitant and inordinate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exorbitant implies a departure from accepted standards regarding amount or degree.

exorbitant prices

When can extravagant be used instead of inordinate?

The meanings of extravagant and inordinate largely overlap; however, extravagant implies an indifference to restraints imposed by truth, prudence, or good taste.

extravagant claims for the product

Where would extreme be a reasonable alternative to inordinate?

Although the words extreme and inordinate have much in common, extreme may imply an approach to the farthest limit possible or conceivable but commonly means only to a notably high degree.

extreme shyness

When is it sensible to use immoderate instead of inordinate?

The synonyms immoderate and inordinate are sometimes interchangeable, but immoderate implies lack of desirable or necessary restraint.

immoderate spending

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 inordinate Her job is one that requires inordinate calm. Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 15 June 2026 This year’s gubernatorial contest is not the first time Steyer has spent an inordinate sum seeking office. Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026 That li’l forehead bestie can require an inordinate amount of upkeep. Elle Turner, Glamour, 6 June 2026 Finally, it must be pointed out that the Padres have faced an inordinate amount of excellent starting pitching. Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for inordinate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inordinate
Adjective
  • This past weekend saw Monterey Car Week at perhaps its most excessive ever.
    Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The ranchers said the park service saddled them with excessive rules and regulations.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Madrid asked everyone involved to move with extreme discretion.
    Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • This problem is anticipated to worsen as more AI providers adopt watermarking, creating a fertile environment for scams and deception, thus users are urged to exercise extreme caution.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Both efforts targeted science and engineering talent, fields where the military has long struggled to fill critical jobs because of steep academic requirements.
    Steven Beynon, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • This has led to a shrinking pool of available units at a time when competition is increasingly steep, Zumper found.
    Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • And their friendship, a folie à deux spiral of insane ideas powered by ungodly quantities of pot, becomes akin to a superpower.
    Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026
  • These mega facilities are popping up everywhere which means lots of people are spending insane money instead of pulling out the hose and bucket.
    Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The metaverse, an extravagant bet on a weird virtual future, flopped.
    Will Oremus, The Atlantic, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Arendt comes most fully alive, though, when Meyer lets her own extravagant, commanding voice carry the story forward.
    David Denby, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Inordinate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inordinate. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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