Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of exorbitant are excessive, extravagant, extreme, immoderate, and inordinate. While all these words mean "going beyond a normal limit," exorbitant implies a departure from accepted standards regarding amount or degree.

exorbitant prices

When might excessive be a better fit than exorbitant?

Although the words excessive and exorbitant have much in common, excessive implies an amount or degree too great to be reasonable or acceptable.

excessive punishment

When would extravagant be a good substitute for exorbitant?

The words extravagant and exorbitant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, extravagant implies an indifference to restraints imposed by truth, prudence, or good taste.

extravagant claims for the product

When could extreme be used to replace exorbitant?

The meanings of extreme and exorbitant largely overlap; however, extreme may imply an approach to the farthest limit possible or conceivable but commonly means only to a notably high degree.

extreme shyness

Where would immoderate be a reasonable alternative to exorbitant?

The words immoderate and exorbitant can be used in similar contexts, but immoderate implies lack of desirable or necessary restraint.

immoderate spending

When can inordinate be used instead of exorbitant?

The synonyms inordinate and exorbitant are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 exorbitant California’s minimum wage is more than twice the federal rate — and cities such as West Hollywood have imposed local mandates requiring more than $19 an hour — but supporters of Proposition 32 said that a new standard was necessary to cope with the state’s exorbitant cost of living. Mackenzie Mays, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2024 The run-up to Election Day saw exorbitant trading activity on the stock, likely from eager traders looking to ride the rising share price to some quick gains and from those who already owned and were hoping to cash out before voters rendered their judgment. Paolo Confino, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2024 The new festival comes at a time when independent music venues have been suffering due to corporate competition and Nashville's exorbitant real estate costs. Nate Rau, Axios, 24 Oct. 2024 Due to the game’s barriers to entry at the grassroots level, particularly the exorbitant costs needed for success and advancement, the professional ranks lack diversity. Michael Loré, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for exorbitant 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exorbitant
Adjective
  • 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
  • Bean and Smith were acquitted of civil rights charges of using excessive force and being indifferent to Nichols’ serious injuries.
    Adrian Sainz and Jonathan Mattise, Los Angeles Times, 5 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • In pagan and other pre-Christian traditions, legends arose of mythical beings who emerged during the long nights around the solstice to dole out more extreme punishments to those who weren't on their best behavior.
    Jennifer Borresen, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024
  • The cartoonishly extreme and yet wholeheartedly relatable plot volleys back and forth between comedy and emotional turmoil.
    Joan MacDonald, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • There are so many valuable products on sale right now, but these are at the top of our list because of their steep discounts, high ratings, and quality.
    Kelsey Fredricks, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Dec. 2024
  • Best Away Cyber Monday Deals Fittingly named luggage brand Away has steep discounts on some of our all-time favorite pieces.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 2 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The extravagant procession will be followed by lunch at Buckingham Palace and a cultural exhibition.
    Billy Stockwell, CNN, 29 Nov. 2024
  • Liberian Collard Greens with Smoked Herring (Image credit: Matt Taylor-Gross / Saveur) All the extravagant cooking of the holiday and winter season warrants tonifying contrast.
    Scott Hocker, theweek, 26 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Your voice is insane.
    Mary Colurso | mcolurso@al.com, al, 4 Apr. 2023
  • But obviously winning the grand jury prize was insane.
    Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 31 Mar. 2023

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Thesaurus Entries Near exorbitant

Cite this Entry

“Exorbitant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exorbitant. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on exorbitant

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