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 Three years later, Oren died of complications from excessive drinking, her sister, Elaine Whiteside, said. — Richard A. Webster, ProPublica, 31 Aug. 2026 Southeast Texas remains at a slight risk of excessive rainfall. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026 While there’s nothing wrong with dyeing your grays, try to avoid excessive chemical applications to the hair. — Sarah Madaus, InStyle, 30 Aug. 2026 To prevent excessive messes in your microwave, cover your food with a paper towel or a microwave-safe splatter guard. — Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for excessive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for excessive

Adjective

China is also blocked from accessing ASML’s most advanced extreme ultraviolet (EUV) machines.

— Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
Intel is a slightly different case because it’s also caught up in the mania for chip stocks as spending on artificial intelligence creates extreme demand for semiconductors.

— Norah Rami, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of extreme

Adjective

Despite all of this potential economic turmoil on the Canadian side, Carney still concluded that at the end of the day, the cost of acceding to Washington’s extravagant demands was higher than the cost of job losses and strain on a key industry.

— Daniel DePetris, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
Their journey leads them through an extravagant amusement park built on the grounds of a drug lord’s former estate.

— Leo Barraclough, Variety, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of extravagant

Adjective

The new season has been absolutely insane through four episodes as the hunt to save Joe (Zoe Saldaña) from her kidnappers is underway.

— David Hookstead OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026
If Gigi is malintentioned and insane and a homewrecker, there’s no story, right?

— Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of insane

Adjective

As a chef at a fine dining restaurant inside a lavish Southern resort, Renee Boughman was surrounded by luxury.

— Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 30 Aug. 2026
Jenner, known for splashing out on lavish events, turned to colorful rhinestone decor to celebrate the milestone, and even plastered gemstones across plastic cups and one of her two birthday cakes.

— Sarah Glodek, Fortune, 28 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of excessive

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