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
  • However, Leo’s shadow can show up as a mix of defensiveness, entitlement or an excessive attachment to validation.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 27 July 2026
  • That said, a recent Europe-wide survey by EU-OSHA reveals that concerns about excessive heat are becoming increasingly universal, with one in five workers reporting unhealthy exposure to extreme temperatures and around one in eight to intense sun.
    Oliver Balch, Fortune, 27 July 2026
Adjective
  • Connecticut famers have been awaiting access to such relief after experiencing damages caused by disasters and extreme weather events in 2023 and 2024.
    Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 25 July 2026
  • The filmmakers have conceived a world that is both funny and extreme, navigating themes of bodily autonomy for both males and females through the playful and the monstrous.
    William Earl, Variety, 25 July 2026
Adjective
  • The drop-off from Bellinger to Spencer Jones, the likeliest call-up candidate, is steep.
    Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 26 July 2026
  • Investors are demanding stronger profits after initially accepting a steep drop from Niccol’s in-store investments.
    Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 26 July 2026
Adjective
  • Dominguez, who was declared legally insane the day after the verdicts, will be sent to a state mental hospital.
    Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 27 July 2026
  • These were two insane asks — a 7-foot giant and an 8-year-old kid who has to be your second lead.
    James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 23 July 2026
Adjective
  • The average song would be a couple of minutes, and four would seem like an extravagant jam.
    Brian Howe, Pitchfork, 21 July 2026
  • Meteorite from Sebastián Múnera follows two young women on a journey through an extravagant amusement park built on the estate of the late drug lord Pablo Escobar.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 20 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Inordinate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inordinate. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on inordinate

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster