extremity

noun

ex·trem·i·ty ik-ˈstre-mə-tē

plural extremities

Synonyms of extremity

: the farthest or most remote part, section, or point

the island's westernmost extremity

: a limb of the body

especially : a human hand or foot

: extreme danger or critical need

: a moment marked by imminent destruction or death

: an intense degree

… the extremity of his participation.—Saturday Rev.

: the utmost degree (as of emotion or pain)

: a drastic or desperate act or measure

driven to extremities

Examples of extremity in a Sentence

The extremity of her grief is impossible to imagine. made offers of aid to the refugees, and of asylum in extremity

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

The neat critical narrative is that MUSIC’s untouchable extremity knocked rage unconscious, both with its glass-shattering production and zeitgeist-engulfing sprawl. — Eli Enis, Pitchfork, 9 July 2026 Compression socks are a simple fix to improve circulation and to keep your lower extremities feeling energized. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 9 July 2026 Short sessions may help with lower-extremity swelling in healthy people, and MD Anderson Cancer Center has pointed to low-intensity vibration as potentially helpful for cancer patients maintaining bone and muscle health. — Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026 Short sessions may help with lower-extremity swelling in otherwise healthy people, and MD Anderson Cancer Center has pointed to low-intensity vibration as potentially useful for cancer patients maintaining bone and muscle health. — Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for extremity

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler

The first known use of extremity was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Browse Nearby Words

extremist

extremity

extremophile

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Extremity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extremity. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

extremity

noun

ex·trem·i·ty ik-ˈstrem-ət-ē

plural extremities

: the farthest limit, point, or part

: an end part of a limb of the body (as a hand or foot)

: an extreme degree (as of emotion or pain)

Medical Definition

extremity

noun

ex·trem·i·ty ik-ˈstrem-ət-ē

plural extremities

: the farthest or most remote part, section, or point

: a limb of the body

especially : a human hand or foot

extremity

noun

Synonyms of extremity

Examples of extremity in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition

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