Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of inordinate are excessive, exorbitant, extravagant, extreme, and immoderate. While all these words mean "going beyond a normal limit," inordinate implies an exceeding of the limits dictated by reason or good judgment.

inordinate pride

When is excessive a more appropriate choice than inordinate?

The words excessive and inordinate can be used in similar contexts, but excessive implies an amount or degree too great to be reasonable or acceptable.

excessive punishment

When could exorbitant be used to replace inordinate?

The words exorbitant and inordinate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exorbitant implies a departure from accepted standards regarding amount or degree.

exorbitant prices

When can extravagant be used instead of inordinate?

The meanings of extravagant and inordinate largely overlap; however, extravagant implies an indifference to restraints imposed by truth, prudence, or good taste.

extravagant claims for the product

Where would extreme be a reasonable alternative to inordinate?

Although the words extreme and inordinate 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 is it sensible to use immoderate instead of inordinate?

The synonyms immoderate and inordinate are sometimes interchangeable, but immoderate implies lack of desirable or necessary restraint.

immoderate spending

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 inordinate The Dodgers, who won the World Series, had to use 17 starters due to an inordinate amount of injuries. Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Feb. 2025 Even with the downturn in scoring, the Lightning have still been generating an inordinate amount of scoring chances. John Romano, Orlando Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2025 The Chargers indeed have received an inordinate amount of luck the past two-plus decades. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Jan. 2025 The inordinate influence of immigration suggests that year’s increase, and to a lesser extent the 12% increase reported in 2023, are aberrations that will lead to a dramatic correction when this year’s count is taken this month. Doug Smith, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inordinate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inordinate
Adjective
  • Their sponsors said they were aimed at reducing excessive regulatory burdens and federal spending, and safeguarding Medicaid and Medicare.
    Gabriella Borter, USA TODAY, 21 Feb. 2025
  • Ueda’s comments come after BOJ board member Hajime Takata reportedly said Tuesday that the Japanese central bank needs to raise interest rates further, as keeping them low at current levels could result in excessive risk-taking and higher inflation.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The staff forecasts and tracks tornadoes, hurricanes, and extreme rainfall events, and is also responsible for predicting solar storms and protecting the fish, crabs, and other species that help feed the nation.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2025
  • According to Parkinson, the improbability of Lemons' survival and extreme nature of saturation diving is what originally drew him to the story.
    Megan McCluskey, TIME, 1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • At first glance, the price tags for premium domains can seem steep, with some reaching seven figures.
    Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025
  • The trails to both falls have steep and rocky terrain that can be loose and slippery when wet.
    Krissy Waite, The Mercury News, 19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Your voice is insane.
    Mary Colurso | mcolurso@al.com, al, 4 Apr. 2023
  • The Republican and right-wing reaction is just insane.
    Michael Tomasky, The New Republic, 31 Mar. 2023
Adjective
  • At the state banquet, Queen Letizia wore the extravagant diamond loop tiara.
    Julia Teti, WWD, 20 Feb. 2025
  • Queen of the Castle – Takes viewers on a journey into the world of high-stakes luxury renovation as Canadian socialites Ann Kaplan Mulholland and her husband Stephen transform a thousand-year-old English castle into an extravagant retreat.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 19 Feb. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Inordinate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inordinate. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on inordinate

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!