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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Thompson accused Hurst police of using excessive force, but an internal investigation found that the police officers followed de-escalation procedures. — Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 2026 France and Italy have excessive welfare spending, heavy taxation and mounting debt, causing unsustainable burdens. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026 Parents concerned about excessive caffeine consumption can contact the Poison Control Center Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. — ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026 Artiles was later convicted of several charges, including making excessive campaign contributions. — Annie Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for excessive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for excessive

Adjective

Many of these materials are made from oil, which emits pollutants when burned, driving climate change and fueling extreme weather.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
The flooding comes after extreme weather hit the Southwest throughout the week.

— Ava Berger, NPR, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of extreme

Adjective

Republican candidates are expected to praise the president, and try to ensure Republicans steep voter registration advantage translates to votes on Election Day November 3.

— Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026
The hiking area is extremely dangerous and known for steep inclines, loose gravel and falling rocks, according to the Italian Alpine Rescue unit, which told CNN that more than 80 people died in the Dolomites in 2026 so far.

— Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of steep

Adjective

Strong reviews should continue to propel the lavish film at the box office, which carries a substantial $100 million price tag.

— Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 24 Oct. 2026
Kim Kardashian’s parade of 46th birthday outfits continues, and her most recent night-out ensemble might be her most lavish look yet.

— Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 23 Oct. 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 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of excessive

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