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 next

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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excessive amounts

extreme amounts

unnecessary amounts

copious amounts

unhealthy amounts

enormous amounts

excessive use

heavy use

frequent use

immoderate use

severe use

unnecessary use

excessive wear

extreme wear

significant wear

heavy wear

massive wear

considerable wear

Synonym Chooser

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

Examples 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 The account charges zero fees — no account opening, monthly maintenance, withdrawal, inactivity, account closure, excessive transaction or overdraft fees. —

Elizabeth Gravier, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024 What’s more, research also shows there's a sweet spot in AI politeness - excessive formality doesn't yield better results, but professional courtesy consistently does. —

Bernard Marr, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 Clutter bombards our minds with excessive stimuli, causing our senses to work overtime on what is not necessary or important. —

Shira Gill, TIME, 5 Nov. 2024 Avoid excessive iron supplementation: Taking iron supplements can lead to iron overload for people without an iron deficiency. —

Lindsay Curtis, Health, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for excessive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for excessive

Adjective

Colorado wildfires are becoming more extreme, and fire officials must seek new and better ways to prevent and fight them.

The Denver Post, The Denver Post, 16 Nov. 2024
Trump’s vituperative persona, his enmity toward multilateralism, and his extreme policy agenda could easily sink the United States’ prospects for meaningful leadership of the G-20.

Leslie Vinjamuri, Foreign Affairs, 15 Nov. 2024