EXTINCT Synonyms: 35 Similar and Opposite Words

extinct

adjective

ik-ˈstiŋ(k)t

Definition of extinct

as in defunct

no longer existing a few overgrown ruins are all that remain of that once mighty but now extinct civilization

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 extinct In June, a group of anxious European policy researchers issued Europe 2031, a scenario in which civilization between the Urals and the Atlantic ends up at least functionally extinct. — Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 25 July 2026 Inside the 400,000-year-old extinct volcanic cinder cone, which is about 40 miles northeast of Flagstaff, are artwork and a naked-eye observatory with tunnels and chambers aligned with solar, lunar and stellar events. — Rebecca 'becca' Dyer, AZCentral.com, 23 July 2026 And people here once spoke now extinct Norn, an Old Norse language. — Literary Hub, 22 July 2026 Environmentalists warned that the move could cause some species to go extinct by opening the door to habitat destruction. — Michael Casey, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for extinct

Recent Examples of Synonyms for extinct

Adjective

The State Ethics Commission on Monday overruled an administrative law judge who found that two Republican groups with ties to the defunct First Liberty Building & Loan did not violate campaign finance laws.

— David Wickert, AJC.com, 4 Aug. 2026
And a defunct SpaceX rocket is on a collision course with the moon.

— Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of defunct

Adjective

The eclipses this month (on August 12 and 28) may bring new people into your life, and potentially toss some expired connections out of it.

— Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 July 2026
Sanabria was found to have an expired visa, according to the incident report.

— Natasha Holt, FOXNews.com, 26 July 2026

Definition of expired

Adjective

This drives lenders to demand aggressive loan amortization schedules to pay down the debt before the tech becomes obsolete.

— Dr. Dick Bridy, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
The perfection of satellite and fiber-optic communications made microwaves obsolete, while the rapid development of modern computers turned the gubbins on the lower floors into museum pieces.

— David Szondy August 01, New Atlas, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of obsolete

Browse Nearby Words

externships

extinct

extinction

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Extinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extinct. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of extinct

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on extinct

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

invidious

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Aug. 7

How long is a jiffy?

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Games & Quizzes