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 The hero’s antic flirtations with a French maiden drag on at inordinate length, leaving an organist little room for creative invention. Alex Ross, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025 This was an inordinate amount of openings. Tom Murphy, Arkansas Online, 6 Dec. 2025 The magazine was full of lovable weirdos who knew inordinate amounts about cuneiform or animal husbandry and were prone to causing collisions in the hallway because their faces were buried in paper proofs. Ismail Ibrahim, Harpers Magazine, 23 Nov. 2025 More than 4,000 titles are published every year in France and Belgium, and the bande dessinée industry has fostered an inordinate amount of amazing talent from all over Europe, both on the writing and visual fronts. Ernesto Lechner, HollywoodReporter, 13 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inordinate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inordinate
Adjective
  • Commissioners dismissed the allegations related to donor information but found that Ellis had accepted excessive contributions.
    Chaya Tong, Austin American Statesman, 29 Jan. 2026
  • The restrictions, known as a consent decree, were a result of a 2017 lawsuit over excessive use of solitary confinement and pepper spray on inmates.
    Molly Beck, jsonline.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Engineers can test extreme scenarios without physical risk.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Research has shown that images of extreme violence can impact mental health, increasing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
    Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • On the continental shelf, these areas are located in shallower waters rich in nutrients, often associated with colder waters and steep seabed slopes that bring food to the surface.
    Rodrigo Tardin, The Conversation, 26 Jan. 2026
  • Shop steep sales on quilts, duvet covers, and more cozy bedroom essentials.
    Jamie Fischer, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • And there’s Harrison Ford, which is insane.
    Senior Television, Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2026
  • But that’s an indictment of our insane world, not Roher’s filmmaking.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • What extravagant actions can a life of astonishing clothes inspire?
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Since the royal Netflix show first premiered in December 2020, fans have fallen in love with its steamy romance, extravagant costumes and wide range of classical covers of some of the biggest pop hits.
    Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Inordinate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inordinate. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on inordinate

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