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 thunderstorms could also bring excessive rainfall in northern Arkansas, southern Missouri and southern Illinois, bringing a risk of flash flooding, the weather service said.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 18 Oct. 2025
  • There are risks of severe thunderstorms and excessive rainfall on Saturday from the Ozarks into the mid-Mississippi River Valley with potential for damaging winds, large hail, tornadoes, and flash flooding.
    Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In Julius Caesar Shakespeare demonstrates the extreme consequences of a lack of due process.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 23 Oct. 2025
  • For extreme pickle lovers, Jimmy John's is also offering the Triple Pickle, a meal deal that features your choice of Picklewich, Pickle Jimmy Chips, and Pickle Ranch.
    Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Dragged down by steep declines at its star brand Gucci and a bulging debt load, Kering has also been closing stores, selling real estate and reducing headcount after a dismal start to the year that saw group net profit plummet 46 percent in the first half.
    Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Black Diamond Pursuit Carbon Z Trekking Poles Over rocks and steep gravel and through the edelweiss, these trekking poles were there for me.
    Anna Fiorentino, Travel + Leisure, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The outpouring of people on social media was insane.
    Wendy Grossman Kantor, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The trailer teases spicy fights, insane games, and twists.
    Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Critics said Trump had pushed for the extravagant parade not to commemorate the armed forces, but as a display of his own vanity.
    NPR, NPR, 19 Oct. 2025
  • While some may view it as extravagant goods and high-end services, others see it as occasional splurges, unique experiences and good health.
    Maddie McGay, USA Today, 18 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inordinate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inordinate. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on inordinate

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