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Synonym Chooser

How is the word extravagant different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of extravagant are excessive, exorbitant, extreme, immoderate, and inordinate. While all these words mean "going beyond a normal limit," extravagant implies an indifference to restraints imposed by truth, prudence, or good taste.

extravagant claims for the product

When is excessive a more appropriate choice than extravagant?

While the synonyms excessive and extravagant are close in meaning, excessive implies an amount or degree too great to be reasonable or acceptable.

excessive punishment

When would exorbitant be a good substitute for extravagant?

The synonyms exorbitant and extravagant are sometimes interchangeable, but exorbitant implies a departure from accepted standards regarding amount or degree.

exorbitant prices

In what contexts can extreme take the place of extravagant?

While in some cases nearly identical to extravagant, extreme may imply an approach to the farthest limit possible or conceivable but commonly means only to a notably high degree.

extreme shyness

Where would immoderate be a reasonable alternative to extravagant?

In some situations, the words immoderate and extravagant are roughly equivalent. However, immoderate implies lack of desirable or necessary restraint.

immoderate spending

When is it sensible to use inordinate instead of extravagant?

The meanings of inordinate and extravagant 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 extravagant Some of her most memorable events have included a secret reception venue, a late-night yacht party in the harbor, an extravagant mountainside 12-course meal served alfresco under the stars, and a masquerade ball complete with stilt walkers and opera singers. Vogue, 13 Feb. 2025 Not everyone dreams of extravagant nuptials—just ask Ruth and Martyn Ridyard, who opted for a cheap and cheerful surprise wedding that went down brilliantly with friends and family. Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025 Valentine's Day is traditionally associated with lavish gifts and extravagant gestures, but this year, choose a gift that expresses love not only for your partner but also for the planet. Christopher Murray, Fox News, 11 Feb. 2025 As for the backyard — equipped with a pool and outdoor seating area with a fireplace — fans may recognize it as the spot where many extravagant parties hosted by the family were held. Natalia Senanayake, People.com, 7 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for extravagant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extravagant
Adjective
  • President Trump and his chief cost-cutter, Elon Musk, contend the aid and development work is wasteful and furthers a liberal agenda.
    Ellen Knickmeyer, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2025
  • In addition to paring back federal employment rosters (more on that below), Trump has ordered Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, to seek ways to eliminate wasteful spending.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • In a federal complaint, the lawyer Kivel argued the state’s penalties violated his client’s Eighth Amendment rights against excessive punishment.
    William Melhado, Sacramento Bee, 20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The United States is one of the most expensive countries for higher education.
    Celia Fernandez, CNBC, 25 Feb. 2025
  • However, gas prices are now more expensive than when gas was $3.127 per gallon a month ago.
    Washington Examiner Staff, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The more extreme Noah (Taz Skylar) wants to shed blood.
    Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Feb. 2025
  • Both California and Florida, which have always been disaster-prone states, have seen an increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events over the past few years.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 17 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The time was too valuable to waste, especially with so many younger players entering the league.
    Doug Haller, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025
  • Who would think that fermenting a foul-smelling pile of poop could generate a valuable stream of natural gas?
    Erik Kobayashi-Solomon, Forbes, 20 Feb. 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
  • Time and time again, criminal approaches to drug policy have proven ineffective, costly and unfair.
    Michael Abrams, Baltimore Sun, 17 Feb. 2025
  • Driving under the influence can be especially costly for North Carolina drivers, with an average cost of $591 per month after the first offense, Lending Tree says.
    Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 14 Feb. 2025
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
  • Nelson is engaged to a rich Italian businessman on the island of Capri, Italy, and insists that Smothers be by her side for the lavish event.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 26 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Extravagant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extravagant. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on extravagant

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