extravagance
noun
ex·trav·a·gance
ik-ˈstra-vi-gən(t)s 
1
a
: an instance of excess or prodigality
specifically
: an excessive outlay of money
b
: something extravagant
A new car is an extravagance we can't afford.
2
: the quality or fact of being extravagant
the extravagance of the decorations
Examples of extravagance in a Sentence
The reorganization of the department was aimed at reducing extravagance.
That coat is an extravagance that you can't afford.
Going to the play will be our one extravagance for this vacation.
I was shocked by the extravagance of their lifestyle.
The church is known for the extravagance of its architecture.
Recent Examples on the Web
Such extravagance was a departure from the norm at Anfield and, though Jacquet’s signing might suggest otherwise, big splurges are not expected to become routine.
—
Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
Courage lies somewhere between cowardice and recklessness, generosity between stinginess and extravagance.
—Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
These nails are a rich, molten gold moment that perfectly capture the extravagance of the event.
—Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 5 Feb. 2026
That doesn’t require extravagance, just some effort.
—Eileen Kelly, Vogue, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for extravagance
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Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
Courage lies somewhere between cowardice and recklessness, generosity between stinginess and extravagance.
—Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
These nails are a rich, molten gold moment that perfectly capture the extravagance of the event.
—Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 5 Feb. 2026
That doesn’t require extravagance, just some effort.
—Eileen Kelly, Vogue, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for extravagance
Cite this Entry
“Extravagance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extravagance. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
extravagance
noun
ex·trav·a·gance
ik-ˈstrav-i-gən(t)s
1
a
: the wasteful or careless spending of money
b
: something that is extravagant
2
: the quality or fact of being extravagant
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