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 In the 30 years since Bridget entered the world in a cloud of Silk Cut, an inordinate amount has changed—when Fielding first created Bridget Jones, email barely existed, let alone Hinge, vapes, and small plate restaurants. Hugh Grant, Vogue, 14 Feb. 2025 Program critics say Florida is now spending an inordinate amount of its education resources on the wrong people – rather than focusing on system improvements that would be good for all students. Leslie Postal, Orlando Sentinel, 12 Feb. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for inordinate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inordinate
Adjective
  • Hurlburt said excessive rainfall in 2023 resulted in an excessive number of closures along parts of the shoreline.
    Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 17 Mar. 2025
  • While many in the Vatican have held up St. John Paul II’s long and public battle with Parkinson’s disease and other ailments as a humble sign of his willingness to show his frailties, others criticized it as excessive and glorifying sickness.
    Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • While the Midwest and the South are bracing for possible severe storms Friday and Saturday, on Thursday there was a critical risk of fire in Texas and other parts of the Great Plains — and the extreme danger will continue into the weekend.
    Phil Helsel, NBC News, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Some, like the Allen's hummingbird, tricolored blackbird and saltmarsh sparrow, are at extreme risk without immediate intervention, says the report, released Thursday.
    Sarah Metz, CBS News, 13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Online education officers respond that their programs face steep startup costs and need expensive technology specialists and infrastructure.
    Jon Marcus, NPR, 15 Mar. 2025
  • But shortly into his second term in office, the polls signal frustration over steep losses in the stock market and a potential trade war with some of America’s closest allies.
    Jared Gans, The Hill, 15 Mar. 2025
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
Adjective
  • While Gaudí’s extravagant creations, in particular, are perhaps too spectacular to miss, there is much beauty and history elsewhere in this millennia-old city.
    Coke Bartrina, Travel + Leisure, 15 Mar. 2025
  • The sequel takes audiences from the idyllic suburbs of Connecticut to the glamorous backdrop of the Italian Riviera, where an extravagant wedding unravels into a murder mystery.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 14 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inordinate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inordinate. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on inordinate

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