Definition of extravagantnext
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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of extravagant are excessive, exorbitant, extreme, immoderate, and inordinate. While all these words mean "going beyond a normal limit," extravagant implies an indifference to restraints imposed by truth, prudence, or good taste.

extravagant claims for the product

When is excessive a more appropriate choice than extravagant?

While the synonyms excessive and extravagant are close in meaning, excessive implies an amount or degree too great to be reasonable or acceptable.

excessive punishment

When would exorbitant be a good substitute for extravagant?

The synonyms exorbitant and extravagant are sometimes interchangeable, but exorbitant implies a departure from accepted standards regarding amount or degree.

exorbitant prices

In what contexts can extreme take the place of extravagant?

While in some cases nearly identical to extravagant, extreme may imply an approach to the farthest limit possible or conceivable but commonly means only to a notably high degree.

extreme shyness

Where would immoderate be a reasonable alternative to extravagant?

In some situations, the words immoderate and extravagant are roughly equivalent. However, immoderate implies lack of desirable or necessary restraint.

immoderate spending

When is it sensible to use inordinate instead of extravagant?

The meanings of inordinate and extravagant 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 extravagant 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 In Germany, Russia, Portugal and beyond, these extravagant palaces of the past are now open to visitors. Rick Steves, Washington Post, 9 Aug. 2026 One way to think about Mahler’s extravagant 90-minute exercise in his search for life’s meaning is as an exercise in attaining optimism in the face of tragedy. Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for extravagant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extravagant
Adjective
  • According to last year’s audit, the school’s wasteful spending included roughly $2 million on employee trips to San Diego, $80,000 for travel to Maui and $2,600 for a trip to France.
    Alula Alderson, Sacbee.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • People-helping organizations that serve the most vulnerable in our communities don’t intend to be wasteful.
    Ryan Dewey Smith, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Even so, the view here is that the harsh criticism of Romo and Nantz has been excessive among some media critics.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 24 Aug. 2026
  • In The Anxious Generation, Jonathan Haidt argues that overparenting and excessive screen time are driving declines in youth mental health.
    Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • That matters because finding and developing domestic sources of critical minerals can be expensive, time-consuming, and uncertain.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Diesel, a crucial fuel for the world economy, is 48% more expensive than this time last year.
    Matt Egan, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The combination of extreme heat and high demand for sites — which means not everyone can visit in the morning — is adding urgency to sun protection.
    ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Phillips-Fein recently talked to CNN about how those ideals have eroded in recent years and why some working- class and poor people embrace the belief that extreme inequality is good for America.
    John Blake, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Beyond sitting on some of the most valuable land in South Florida, Indian Creek Country Club is also among the region’s most exclusive clubs.
    Luisa Yanez, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2026
  • This eco-friendly alternative avoids chemical separation and repurposes aviation and industrial scrap into valuable materials for thermal insulation, acoustic absorption, and marine oil spill cleanup.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 19 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • If that insane offer doesn’t plug the leak, the fire sale begins.
    Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • That’s a big memory for me as a kid, so having that happen is insane.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Innovation rates are often 70% higher with inclusive design and helps ease costly turnover ranging from 50% to twice an employee’s annual salary.
    Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Fields completed 9 of 12 passes for 64 yards while also taking a costly 20-yard sack on a third-and-goal from the Bucs’ 7.
    Jesse Newell, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Lindsay Lohan wowed in a sleek minidress during a lavish family vacation in the French Riviera with her husband Bader Shammas and their 3-year-old son Luai.
    Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 23 Aug. 2026
  • The Picture of Dorian Gray An enchanted portrait and a life of debauchery are at the core of this lavish literary horror by Oscar Wilde.
    Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Extravagant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extravagant. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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