Synonyms of inordinate

inordinate

adjective

in-ˈȯr-də-nət 

as in excessive

going beyond a normal or acceptable limit in degree or amount

an inordinate number of complaints about the slow pace of snow removal around the city

Synonyms & Similar Words

• excessive
• extreme
• steep
• insane
• extravagant
• infinite
• undue
• endless
• lavish
• exorbitant
• immoderate
• intolerable
• unconscionable
• baroque
• fancy
• overweening
• over the top
• unbearable
• devilish
• unmerciful
• plethoric
• overdue
• inappropriate
• overmuch
• towering
• improper
• immeasurable
• stiff
• overextravagant
• boundless
• limitless
• unwarranted
• a bit much
• unjustifiable
• unseemly
• unrestrained
• thick

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reasonable
• moderate
• modest
• insufficient
• inadequate
• minimum
• deficient
• minimal
• middling
• temperate

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

Recent Examples of inordinate

The response was an excessive and inordinate expenditure of resources. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025

This belief sometimes leads to an inordinate focus on the downside of change and ignores the tremendous potential upside. —John Kormanik, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025

Ownership has placed an inordinate pressure on a coaching phenomenon. —James Jackson, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025

Case managers and special education teachers spend an inordinate amount of time writing and updating IEPs, leaving less time for direct student interaction. —Scott White, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025

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