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

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 Richardson, 25, an Olympic gold medalist, pleaded not guilty Monday to a charge of dangerous excessive speeding of 100 mph or more, according to Orange County court records. —Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 5 Feb. 2026 The civil lawsuit filed Monday in Douglas County District Court is seeking compensation for Moore’s use of excessive force and battery causing wrongful death. —Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 5 Feb. 2026 The complaint argues that federal officers’ use of chemical munitions and excessive force represents retaliation against protesters, which violates their First Amendment rights. —Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 4 Feb. 2026 While there is urgency to find a new space before the lease runs out, Mahan must also balance the potential risk of acting too early and incurring excessive carrying costs. —Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for excessive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for excessive
  1. extreme
  2. extravagant
  3. insane
  4. steep
  5. lavish
Adjective
  • When glycogen stores are low, blood sugar highs and lows feel more extreme, which can be especially challenging for the brain, DeWitt said.
    — Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 11 Feb. 2026
  • As frozen supply chains continue to expand, autonomous systems designed specifically for extreme environments may become essential rather than optional.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of extreme
Adjective
  • For the 2026 reimagining, Fennell worked with costume designer Jacqueline Durran to create dozens of costumes (Cathy alone, played by Margot Robbie, had 50) that were heavily inspired by the extravagant, unselfconscious and campy outfits of the mid-century.
    — Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 12 Feb. 2026
  • One-upmanship, extravagant architectural plans, and a comparatively short construction schedule result in big bills, which are often not reflected in the original bids.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of extravagant
Adjective
  • Last week, the wind-power green scam artists were back in federal court, arguing to be permitted to keep squandering billions more on those insane offshore windmills that produce next to no energy, but plenty of pollution.
    — Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 1 Feb. 2026
  • That’s the best reaction to these stupid, insane men ruling the world now and trying to grab and dominate the world.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 31 Jan. 2026
Definition of insane
Adjective
  • For the first time since the Federal Reserve began its aggressive rate hikes years ago, the share of homeowners paying steep mortgage rates above 6% now exceeds the elite class of borrowers holding on to rock-bottom rates below 3%.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Set the scene Somewhere between Monaco and Cannes, up the steep streets of Nice’s intricate Old Town, a large garden with poppies is accessed through a cool courtyard, shaded by orange trees.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of steep
Adjective
  • The two whip up a lavish dip packed with cheese, greens and pickles, which add tang to cut through the indulgent creaminess.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Nichols said financial documents offered as evidence showed the GoFundMe donations were spent on things like lavish meals and travel, streaming services, car payments and rent.
    — Jane Harper, Dallas Morning News, 7 Feb. 2026
Definition of lavish

Browse Nearby Words

excessing
excessive
excessively
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Excessive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/excessive. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on excessive

Nglish: Translation of excessive for Spanish Speakers

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