EXCESSIVE Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'excessive' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of excessive are exorbitant , extravagant , extreme , immoderate , and inordinate . While all these words mean "going beyond a normal limit," excessive implies an amount or degree too great to be reasonable or acceptable. // excessive punishment

Q: When is 'exorbitant' a more appropriate choice than 'excessive'?

The words exorbitant and excessive can be used in similar contexts, but exorbitant implies a departure from accepted standards regarding amount or degree. // exorbitant prices

Q: Where would 'extravagant' be a reasonable alternative to 'excessive'?

While the synonyms extravagant and excessive are close in meaning, extravagant implies an indifference to restraints imposed by truth, prudence, or good taste. // extravagant claims for the product

Q: When might 'extreme' be a better fit than 'excessive'?

Although the words extreme and excessive 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

Q: When can 'immoderate' be used instead of 'excessive'?

The words immoderate and excessive are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, immoderate implies lack of desirable or necessary restraint. // immoderate spending

Q: When is it sensible to use 'inordinate' instead of 'excessive'?

The meanings of inordinate and excessive largely overlap; however, inordinate implies an exceeding of the limits dictated by reason or good judgment. // inordinate pride

excessive

adjective

ik-ˈse-siv

Definition of excessive

as in extreme

going beyond a normal or acceptable limit in degree or amount nerdy hackers who spend an excessive amount of time sitting in front of their computers

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How is the word excessive different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of excessive are exorbitant, extravagant, extreme, immoderate, and inordinate. While all these words mean "going beyond a normal limit," excessive implies an amount or degree too great to be reasonable or acceptable.

excessive punishment

When is exorbitant a more appropriate choice than excessive?

The words exorbitant and excessive can be used in similar contexts, but exorbitant implies a departure from accepted standards regarding amount or degree.

exorbitant prices

Where would extravagant be a reasonable alternative to excessive?

While the synonyms extravagant and excessive are close in meaning, extravagant implies an indifference to restraints imposed by truth, prudence, or good taste.

extravagant claims for the product

When might extreme be a better fit than excessive?

Although the words extreme and excessive 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 can immoderate be used instead of excessive?

The words immoderate and excessive are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, immoderate implies lack of desirable or necessary restraint.

immoderate spending

When is it sensible to use inordinate instead of excessive?

The meanings of inordinate and excessive largely overlap; however, inordinate implies an exceeding of the limits dictated by reason or good judgment.

inordinate pride

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 excessive The platform’s leaders believe that some podcast companies also load up the podcasts with excessive ads, one person familiar with the company’s thinking told me. — Max Tani, semafor.com, 9 Aug. 2026 He was shown a yellow card for excessive celebration, which drew loud boos and hisses from the fans. — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 9 Aug. 2026 Your excessive agreeableness may also be interpreted by decision-makers as lacking conviction, preventing you from getting promoted. — Melody Wilding, CNBC, 9 Aug. 2026 Problematic media use is excessive or dysregulated screen use that starts interfering with a teen’s daily functioning, according to Sarah Domoff, assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at the University at Albany. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for excessive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for excessive

Adjective

Madrid asked everyone involved to move with extreme discretion.

— Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
This problem is anticipated to worsen as more AI providers adopt watermarking, creating a fertile environment for scams and deception, thus users are urged to exercise extreme caution.

— Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of extreme

Adjective

Arendt comes most fully alive, though, when Meyer lets her own extravagant, commanding voice carry the story forward.

— David Denby, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
Ric Flair is known for his flamboyant promos and extravagant pro wrestling career that included several world championship runs across multiple promotions at his peak.

— Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of extravagant

Adjective

And their friendship, a folie à deux spiral of insane ideas powered by ungodly quantities of pot, becomes akin to a superpower.

— Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026
These mega facilities are popping up everywhere which means lots of people are spending insane money instead of pulling out the hose and bucket.

— Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of insane

Adjective

Officials said Sunday that fire activity had prevented them from quickly reaching the area amid steep, rough terrain.

— Jamie Stengle, Chicago Tribune, 10 Aug. 2026
Nugraha said difficult terrain has complicated efforts, with some hotspots located on steep volcanic slopes that are difficult to reach by land.

— ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of steep

Adjective

For centuries, India’s rulers treasured these precious stones, decorating their palaces, thrones, and crowns with them, and wearing them in lavish displays of wealth and opulence.

— Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
Besides golf and the lavish new spa, the signature resort attraction is its legendary equestrian center, operated for over 30 years.

— Larry Olmsted, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of lavish

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excessing

excessive

excessively

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“Excessive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/excessive. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of excessive

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