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 One was a bald comedian with glasses who complained constantly and had an inordinate fear of halitosis. Larry David, New Yorker, 28 Aug. 2025 Factory ships deplete fisheries in a matter of years and an inordinate amount of sea life also perishes in their nets. Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 12 Aug. 2025 New car buyers pay a premium Car buyers pay an inordinate premium for new vehicles. Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 9 Aug. 2025 The parents spend an inordinate amount of time bringing them food and keeping a close eye on them. Monica Deeks, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inordinate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inordinate
Adjective
  • The reports obtained by The Post show a barrage of complaints from youth that staff used excessive force during restraints or other physical management responses at the state’s 14 facilities.
    Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 26 Sep. 2025
  • With extended heat exposure comes excessive sweat, so drinking plenty of fluids with electrolytes the day before is essential for safe sauna use.
    Essence, Essence, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • During the third quarter, Fever star Kelsey Mitchell left the court due to extreme cramping in her lower body.
    Frank Nunns O'Connell, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2025
  • But the plan roundly ignores the contributions of climate change to the state's extreme heat problem.
    Joan Meiners, AZCentral.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Topography also plays a role, as steep canyons, mountains and dry washes are susceptible to floods.
    Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 25 Sep. 2025
  • In going dark, the gallery joins a slew of others that have shuttered in New York and Los Angeles in recent months as the art economy reckons with shifting tastes and buying patterns, steep US tariffs, and global financial, political, and social instability.
    News Desk, Artforum, 25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The first game famously took thirst-trap renditions of the Greek pantheon and imbued each figure with an insane amount of charm.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Starting the competition off with a bang with the cape and then moving right into killing the athleisure [challenge] was just insane.
    McKinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The makeup and musical artist has yet to reveal if someone else helped formulate the extravagant hairdo.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Turn up the drama by adding feathers to your outfit, or even an extravagant, dazzling head piece.
    Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 25 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inordinate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inordinate. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on inordinate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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