extreme 1 of 2

1
as in farthest
most distant from a center spacecraft that is specially designed to explore the extreme edge of our solar system

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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extreme

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of extreme are excessive, exorbitant, extravagant, immoderate, and inordinate. While all these words mean "going beyond a normal limit," extreme may imply an approach to the farthest limit possible or conceivable but commonly means only to a notably high degree.

extreme shyness

When is it sensible to use excessive instead of extreme?

Although the words excessive and extreme have much in common, excessive implies an amount or degree too great to be reasonable or acceptable.

excessive punishment

Where would exorbitant be a reasonable alternative to extreme?

The words exorbitant and extreme are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exorbitant implies a departure from accepted standards regarding amount or degree.

exorbitant prices

When might extravagant be a better fit than extreme?

The meanings of extravagant and extreme largely overlap; however, extravagant implies an indifference to restraints imposed by truth, prudence, or good taste.

extravagant claims for the product

In what contexts can immoderate take the place of extreme?

The words immoderate and extreme can be used in similar contexts, but immoderate implies lack of desirable or necessary restraint.

immoderate spending

When could inordinate be used to replace extreme?

While the synonyms inordinate and extreme are close in meaning, inordinate implies an exceeding of the limits dictated by reason or good judgment.

inordinate pride

Examples 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 extreme
Adjective
What might another extreme attack on the U.S. electoral system look like? Jenna Bednar, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2024 While the extreme weather conditions affected multiple parts of the state, as well as parts of Texas, the Associated Press reported that the storms hit hardest in and around Oklahoma City. Toria Sheffield, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024
Noun
Over time the negotiating leverage pendulum often swings in extremes from one side of the bargaining table to the other. Brian Foley, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024 Her latest for Starz sees her in a new register in this adaptation of the book by C.J. Skuse about an ordinary woman who is pushed to extraordinary extremes by the many people around her who ignore her. Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for extreme 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extreme
Adjective
  • That's close to the farthest point in its orbit, which is 252,088 miles away, according to NASA.
    Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 12 Jan. 2023
  • Shortly before entering that orbit, NASA says Orion will travel 57, 287 miles beyond the moon at its farthest point from the lunar surface.
    Lee Roop | lroop@al.com, al, 23 Nov. 2022
Adjective
  • Assassinations can also elevate more radical or more effective leaders.
    Sarah E. Parkinson, Foreign Affairs, 11 Nov. 2024
  • This makes Godot feel like a free-flowing, creative instrument users share and improve together as a radical hacker collective.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • What’s more, research also shows there's a sweet spot in AI politeness - excessive formality doesn't yield better results, but professional courtesy consistently does.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Clutter bombards our minds with excessive stimuli, causing our senses to work overtime on what is not necessary or important.
    Shira Gill, TIME, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The decision should come as no surprise, as Rizzo spent the entire season battling injuries, whether fractured fingers or a lower extremity injury.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024
  • Across western North Carolina, homes and structures were collapsing after water invaded their lower extremities, snapping frames or pushing homes clean off foundations.
    Chris Kenning, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • Sticking with players who entered this season unknown to all the but the most rabid CFF fans, Army's dynamic QB is worth a look.
    Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024
  • The Easter eggs, the signature color, the rabid fans.
    David LaChapelle, Vulture, 11 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • Your voice is insane.
    Mary Colurso | mcolurso@al.com, al, 4 Apr. 2023
  • The Republican and right-wing reaction is just insane.
    Michael Tomasky, The New Republic, 31 Mar. 2023
Noun
  • At the Arrowverse’s peak, with multiple shows on the air, DC Superhero series could take on this immediacy, without the self-consciousness of having to sell audiences on superhero shows.
    Joshua Rivera, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2024
  • Squash is at its peak this time of year and is a perfect base for secret sauces and/or unexpected ingredients that will make a meal memorable.
    Claudia Alexander, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Teixeira's attorneys argued for a sentence on the low end of the range, noting that the maximum of 200 months would be more than the government sought against Julian Assange, who is accused of publishing a trove of classified documents.
    Mirna Alsharif, NBC News, 12 Nov. 2024
  • The peak of activity – the solar maximum – occurs when the sun's north and south magnetic poles flip.
    Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 1 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near extreme

Cite this Entry

“Extreme.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extreme. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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