extinct

1 of 2

adjective

ex·​tinct ik-ˈstiŋ(k)t How to pronounce extinct (audio) ˈek-ˌstiŋ(k)t How to pronounce extinct (audio)
Synonyms of extinct
1
a
: no longer burning
an extinct fire
an extinct hope
b
: no longer active
an extinct volcano
2
: no longer existing
an extinct animal
3
a
: gone out of use : superseded
extinct customs
b
: having no qualified claimant
an extinct title

extinct

2 of 2

verb

extincted; extincting; extincts

transitive verb

archaic
: extinguish

Synonyms of extinct

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Adjective

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Examples of extinct in a Sentence

Adjective Many of these old traditions have since become extinct. a few overgrown ruins are all that remain of that once mighty but now extinct civilization
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
This history means Yellowstone is considered active rather than extinct. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026 According to Mark Dixon, CEO of IWG, the world’s largest workspace provider, commuting could be extinct within the next 15 years. — Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2026 Researchers in Los Angeles have made a ribbiting new discovery at the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum — an extinct amphibian from the ice age. — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026 Fourteen genes found in modern gray wolves were edited to match specific extinct traits. — Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for extinct

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Latin exstinctus, past participle of exstinguere

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of extinct was in the 15th century

Rhymes for extinct

See All Rhymes for extinct

Browse Nearby Words

extimulate
extinct
extincteur
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Extinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extinct. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

extinct

adjective
ex·​tinct
ik-ˈstiŋ(k)t, 
ˈek-ˌ
1
: no longer active
an extinct volcano
2
: no longer existing
an extinct species of animal

Medical Definition

extinct

adjective
ex·​tinct ik-ˈstiŋ(k)t How to pronounce extinct (audio) ˈek-ˌ How to pronounce extinct (audio)
: no longer existing : lacking living representatives
extinct prehistoric animals

More from Merriam-Webster on extinct

Nglish: Translation of extinct for Spanish Speakers

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