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
  • Although the Bobcats scored more points in the paint, their inability to stop the Eagles' forward on the interior led to excessive fouling.
    Caleb Yum, Austin American Statesman, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Critics say it was often used to justify excessive force by police.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • When glycogen stores are low, blood sugar highs and lows feel more extreme, which can be especially challenging for the brain, DeWitt said.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 11 Feb. 2026
  • As frozen supply chains continue to expand, autonomous systems designed specifically for extreme environments may become essential rather than optional.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • For the first time since the Federal Reserve began its aggressive rate hikes years ago, the share of homeowners paying steep mortgage rates above 6% now exceeds the elite class of borrowers holding on to rock-bottom rates below 3%.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Set the scene Somewhere between Monaco and Cannes, up the steep streets of Nice’s intricate Old Town, a large garden with poppies is accessed through a cool courtyard, shaded by orange trees.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Last week, the wind-power green scam artists were back in federal court, arguing to be permitted to keep squandering billions more on those insane offshore windmills that produce next to no energy, but plenty of pollution.
    Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 1 Feb. 2026
  • That’s the best reaction to these stupid, insane men ruling the world now and trying to grab and dominate the world.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • But that’s just the tip of the iceberg, as extravagant, ever-evolving hotels and resorts continue to redefine the Strip experience.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 6 Feb. 2026
  • The extravagant ceremony, a traditional performance/show put on by the host country of every Olympic Games, is taking place at Milan's San Siro Stadium this year, and featured a bevy of celebrity performers and cameos, including Mariah Carey, Charlize Theron and Andrea Bocelli.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Inordinate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inordinate. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on inordinate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!