INORDINATE Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of inordinate are excessive , exorbitant , extravagant , extreme , and immoderate . While all these words mean "going beyond a normal limit," inordinate implies an exceeding of the limits dictated by reason or good judgment. // inordinate pride

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

The words excessive and inordinate can be used in similar contexts, but excessive implies an amount or degree too great to be reasonable or acceptable. // excessive punishment

Q: When could 'exorbitant' be used to replace 'inordinate'?

The words exorbitant and inordinate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exorbitant implies a departure from accepted standards regarding amount or degree. // exorbitant prices

Q: When can 'extravagant' be used instead of 'inordinate'?

The meanings of extravagant and inordinate largely overlap; however, extravagant implies an indifference to restraints imposed by truth, prudence, or good taste. // extravagant claims for the product

Q: Where would 'extreme' be a reasonable alternative to 'inordinate'?

Although the words extreme and inordinate 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 is it sensible to use 'immoderate' instead of 'inordinate'?

The synonyms immoderate and inordinate are sometimes interchangeable, but immoderate implies lack of desirable or necessary restraint. // immoderate spending

inordinate

adjective

in-ˈȯr-də-nət

Definition of inordinate

as in excessive

going beyond a normal or acceptable limit in degree or amount an inordinate number of complaints about the slow pace of snow removal around the city

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

Some common synonyms of inordinate are excessive, exorbitant, extravagant, extreme, and immoderate. While all these words mean "going beyond a normal limit," inordinate implies an exceeding of the limits dictated by reason or good judgment.

inordinate pride

When is excessive a more appropriate choice than inordinate?

The words excessive and inordinate can be used in similar contexts, but excessive implies an amount or degree too great to be reasonable or acceptable.

excessive punishment

When could exorbitant be used to replace inordinate?

The words exorbitant and inordinate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exorbitant implies a departure from accepted standards regarding amount or degree.

exorbitant prices

When can extravagant be used instead of inordinate?

The meanings of extravagant and inordinate largely overlap; however, extravagant implies an indifference to restraints imposed by truth, prudence, or good taste.

extravagant claims for the product

Where would extreme be a reasonable alternative to inordinate?

Although the words extreme and inordinate 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 is it sensible to use immoderate instead of inordinate?

The synonyms immoderate and inordinate are sometimes interchangeable, but immoderate implies lack of desirable or necessary restraint.

immoderate spending

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 inordinate An inordinate amount of media attention and communications airtime was devoted to the brand new model of NASA toilet which developed issues just hours after launch and later became unfunctional on day 3 of the mission. — Aparna Venkatesan, Space.com, 20 July 2026 The extraordinary fireworks barrage is also expected to produce an inordinate amount of smoke, so a low layer of clouds and lack of breeze could leave attendees gasping from the show—but not in the way intended. — Shane Harris, The Atlantic, 3 July 2026 There's no doubt that the media played an inordinate role in allowing COVID-19 mandates and restrictions to start, expand, and continue well beyond any reasonable justification. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2026 Families spend an inordinate amount of time navigating systems that should be working together to serve children, but often aren’t. — CNN Money, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for inordinate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inordinate

Adjective

According to a one-year analysis of data collected from San Francisco’s 33 camera locations and other traffic-sensing equipment, excessive speeding — more than 10 mph above the speed limit — dropped nearly 80%.

— Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
Brought by Koya’s estate and daughter Nathifa Wright, it’s being heard at Sacramento’s United States District Court and seeks damages for 17 claims, including false detention, excessive force and wrongful death.

— Theresa Clift, Sacbee.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of excessive

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

But a new novel by Lucy Foley is setting Poirot aside and blowing the dust off the mild-mannered Marple by whisking her away to an extravagant Swiss Alps adventure.

— Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Oct. 2026
The ultimate reward isn’t retiring on a beach or buying something extravagant.

— Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of extravagant

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in order

inordinate

inordinately

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“Inordinate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inordinate. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of inordinate

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