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 Families spend an inordinate amount of time navigating systems that should be working together to serve children, but often aren’t. CNN Money, 18 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for inordinate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inordinate
Adjective
  • The deputy ultimately pleaded guilty to a federal civil rights violation for excessive force.
    Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • The experimentation with outdoor games is probably a thing of the past after Nebraska’s match against Missouri at Wrigley Field was delayed twice and finally suspended after just 18 points because of excessive moisture on the court.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Overdosing on the drug can cause extreme drowsiness, confusion, impaired coordination, decreased reflexes, respiratory depression, coma and possible death.
    Natasha Holt, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2026
  • In the Rocky Mountains, years of extreme heat and drought have baked the landscape, drying up streams that feed the Colorado River and desiccating pastures where cattle graze.
    Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • For people feeling strapped by steep costs, the 60/30/10 budget can offer a more forgiving framework to follow.
    Becca Stanek, TheWeek, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Putin, for his part, did not publicly signal any movement from his previous steep demands, which seek major concessions from Ukraine.
    Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 6 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Darby hit an insane Coffin Drop from a lighting rig, through the stage on Knight.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • That base price of about $5,000 may sound insane to the average person but likely won’t hurt the pockets of the average Lamborghini customer.
    Keenan Thompson, Freep.com, 27 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • But the love enduring at their center feels so profoundly misguided that even this extravagant tribute, arriving more than 150 years later, cannot entirely defend it.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026
  • While some celebrity weddings are extravagant events, others are all about flying under the radar.
    Mariah Alanskas, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Inordinate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inordinate. Accessed 9 Sep. 2026.

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