excessive

adjective

ik-ˈse-siv How to pronounce excessive (audio)
Definition of excessivenext
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
excessive wear
extreme wear
heavy wear
massive 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

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 excessive Pruning can also help tame excessive growth that shades the inner canopy, inhibits flowering and weakens branches. Examine the tree from all angles. —Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Mar. 2025 Related Articles Broken bones, excessive force and drug overdoses: Inside Colorado’s juvenile detention facilities Colorado Democrats are ready to pass a sweeping gun control bill. —Seth Klamann, The Denver Post, 3 Mar. 2025 The excessive number of options can make choosing a weed eater overwhelming, but comparing available models is an excellent way to figure out which features best suit you. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for excessive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for excessive
  1. extreme
  2. extravagant
  3. insane
  4. steep
  5. lavish
Adjective
  • For Rico Nasty, extreme was the name of the game, with some needlepoint glam by way of her acupuncturist.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Time after time, extreme pessimism has set the stage for outsized gains, on average, as evidenced by the 39 previous times where the number of Bulls has been equal to or less than the present tally.
    — John Buckingham, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
Definition of extreme
Adjective
  • This fresh, modern reimagining of Ang Lee’s 1993 classic by Andrew Ahn follows a group of friends who need to get married for convenience—until family arrives, and the plan spirals into extravagant, chaotic mayhem.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 4 Mar. 2025
  • One of the more extravagant is Maass by chef Ryan Ratino.
    — Liza B. Zimmerman, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
Definition of extravagant
Adjective
  • Your voice is insane.
    — Mary Colurso | [email protected], al, 4 Apr. 2023
  • But obviously winning the grand jury prize was insane.
    — Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 31 Mar. 2023
Definition of insane
Adjective
  • In the face of steep new duties—especially on China—footwear brands will also be forced to raise prices.
    — Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 4 Mar. 2025
  • The dual pressures of addiction and burnout are exacting a steep toll on America’s entrepreneurs and executives.
    — Jaime Catmull, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
Definition of steep
Adjective
  • Just west of Back Bay station, visitors can discover an oasis of warmth in the form of the Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street, a lavish property that comes equipped with a wealth of amenities designed with wintertime in mind.
    — Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Mayor Tom Carney and Vice Mayor Juli Casale should stand firm in opposition to the union’s demands for lavish retirement benefits.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2025
Definition of lavish

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“Excessive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/excessive. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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