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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 Yes, fame is a form of oppression, a currency, a potential gift and punishment for excessive attention-seeking, which is often a need for real love, which fame isn’t. —

Harmony Holiday, Los Angeles Times, 16 Dec. 2024 Even excessive salt consumption on a single occasion can cause fragmented sleep patterns in some people.25 Long-Term Complications The main concern about eating too much salt is its impact on your blood pressure and heart. —

James Myhre & Dennis Sifris, Md, Verywell Health, 16 Dec. 2024 Some others on social media have questioned if the bond is excessive. —

Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024 Last month, a Justice Department report from a yearlong federal civil rights probe into police in Trenton, New Jersey, found officers routinely used excessive force and violated residents' civil rights during arrests and traffic stops. —

Rebecca Falconer, Axios, 5 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for excessive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for excessive

Adjective

There’s no getting around that this is an extreme version of an already extreme watch, so this is not for the faint of heart.

Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 13 Dec. 2024
In more extreme cases, Dr. Romanoff warns that codependency can manifest in controlling behaviors.

Jenna Ryu, SELF, 13 Dec. 2024