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 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 See All Example Sentences for inordinate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inordinate
Adjective
  • These thunderstorms are producing an excessive amount of deadly cloud to ground lightning.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 16 May 2025
  • Among its findings were that Banks used excessive force and falsely imprisoned Myles; that Banks’ use of his dog violated Myles’ Fourth Amendment rights; that Banks and the county were both negligent; and that the county violated Myles’ civil rights by failing to properly train and supervise Banks.
    Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • Hazards differ according to geography, but include flooding, wildfires, extreme heat, storm surges, and other severe weather events.
    Claire Poole, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
  • Given the continued disparities of labor in the home, women face unique challenges during and after extreme weather events.
    Sheetal Khedkar Rao, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • The most significant example has been Apple’s efforts to shore up iPhone production in India in a bid to avoid the steep U.S. tariffs placed on China that are now paused.
    Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
  • Idaho residents’ property taxes have seen steep increases amid the area’s rapid population growth in recent years, especially in the Treasure Valley, the Statesman previously reported.
    Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • Amanda learned in like 10 seconds, which is insane.
    Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Mar. 2025
  • The emu egg—a two pound, eight-inch ovoid with a sultry teal shell gently speckled in pale green—seemed like just the right absurdist final flourish for an already insane endeavor.
    Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • On Tuesday, May 13, Trump's visit included a coffee ceremony, participation in a Saudi-U.S investment forum, a visit to a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an extravagant state dinner.
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • The family has plowed some of their wealth into an extravagant fleet of roughly a dozen Airbus and Boeing airliners converted into luxurious rides for a small number of passengers, as well as smaller business jets from Bombardier and Dassault.
    Jeremy Bogaisky, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inordinate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inordinate. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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