1
2
3

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of extravagant are excessive, exorbitant, extreme, immoderate, and inordinate. While all these words mean "going beyond a normal limit," extravagant implies an indifference to restraints imposed by truth, prudence, or good taste.

extravagant claims for the product

When is excessive a more appropriate choice than extravagant?

While the synonyms excessive and extravagant are close in meaning, excessive implies an amount or degree too great to be reasonable or acceptable.

excessive punishment

When would exorbitant be a good substitute for extravagant?

The synonyms exorbitant and extravagant are sometimes interchangeable, but exorbitant implies a departure from accepted standards regarding amount or degree.

exorbitant prices

In what contexts can extreme take the place of extravagant?

While in some cases nearly identical to extravagant, 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 extravagant?

In some situations, the words immoderate and extravagant are roughly equivalent. However, immoderate implies lack of desirable or necessary restraint.

immoderate spending

When is it sensible to use inordinate instead of extravagant?

The meanings of inordinate and extravagant 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 extravagant In a post to his personal Twitter account, Newsom later took a shot at the president’s penchant for pricey capital outlays to extravagant ends. Tom Tapp, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2025 Li described herself as having a lifelong suspicion of all forms of emotional melodrama, stemming from her experience as a child in China listening to propagandist operas, in which singers made extravagant claims of adoration and allegiance. Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2025 The all-new show retells the story of the Greek zero to hero with modern music, larger-than-life numbers, extravagant costumes, and a stellar cast led by Cory Bradford as Hercules. Megan Dubois, Southern Living, 7 Oct. 2025 In July 2020, Marissa shared a series of photos from her and Trevor's extravagant engagement. Caitlyn Hitt, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for extravagant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extravagant
Adjective
  • This playbook has protected wasteful spending for decades.
    Mark Merritt, Boston Herald, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Is the packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
    Lily Wohlner, Allure, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • On Sunday, a 15% chance of flash flooding from excessive rainfall exists along the coast from Ocean City, Maryland to Cape Cod.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 11 Oct. 2025
  • The problem arises when excessive dust, dirt, and hair accumulate around the coils, preventing them from performing their job adequately.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • From flooding to hurricanes and sinkholes, homeowners in the county face a number of challenges which makes coverage more expensive—especially considering that flood insurance is not part of a standard policy.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
  • The proposal beat out two less expensive pitches.
    IndyStar, IndyStar, 13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Operating at the extreme fringes is also an effective strategy for maximizing exposure in the algorithm, which explains why popular influencers such as the Nelk Boys and Jake Paul started their YouTube careers as prank peddlers, before leaning into more overtly political content.
    T. M. Brown, New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Caving—which is the more extreme cousin to spelunking—is physically and mentally challenging but also adrenaline fueled and just plain fun, too.
    Heide Brandes, AFAR Media, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • That combination of excellence and diversity prepares students for the real world and must be protected and celebrated as one of our district’s most valuable assets.
    Grace Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Stay safe on wintry roads with these valuable winter driving tips from the NWS, and reduce the risk of accidents during challenging weather conditions.
    Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Despite being found guilty, Gein was also declared insane and unable to stand trial.
    Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025
  • The Sony Bravia 8 II 65-inch Smart TV is a living room flex with its insane color, crisp contrast, and movie-theater-like sound.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • These mistakes are not only costly on a game-by-game basis because their suspension ramifications, particularly in a Chelsea squad already carrying several defensive injuries, are key.
    Simon Johnson, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
  • The project will help Arkansas deal with an increase in freight volume, without costly roadway expansion, while supporting safer and smarter infrastructure, according to a company news release.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The lavish colors are all set against the stunning backdrop of Sedona’s iconic red rock formations.
    Roger Naylor, AZCentral.com, 10 Oct. 2025
  • The Love Island star celebrated her 28th birthday with a lavish party in New York City in August.
    Mackenzie Cummings-Grady, Billboard, 9 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Extravagant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extravagant. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on extravagant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!