Definition of inordinatenext

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of inordinate are excessive, exorbitant, extravagant, extreme, and immoderate. While all these words mean "going beyond a normal limit," inordinate implies an exceeding of the limits dictated by reason or good judgment.

inordinate pride

When is excessive a more appropriate choice than inordinate?

The words excessive and inordinate can be used in similar contexts, but excessive implies an amount or degree too great to be reasonable or acceptable.

excessive punishment

When could exorbitant be used to replace inordinate?

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

exorbitant prices

When can extravagant be used instead of inordinate?

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

extravagant claims for the product

Where would extreme be a reasonable alternative to inordinate?

Although the words extreme and inordinate 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 is it sensible to use immoderate instead of inordinate?

The synonyms immoderate and inordinate are sometimes interchangeable, but immoderate implies lack of desirable or necessary restraint.

immoderate spending

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 inordinate During spring training in Arizona, Counsell has listened to an inordinate number of questions about who else might play first base. Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 1 Mar. 2026 The center console devotes an inordinate amount of space to side-by-side wireless phone chargers. Adam Ismail, The Drive, 18 Feb. 2026 Still, that seems like an inordinate number of launches. Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026 And yet, people with digital partners seem to get an inordinate amount of online hate. Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 17 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inordinate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inordinate
Adjective
  • The authors argued that the typical American diet contained excessive calories and fat and lacked sufficient amounts of complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Apr. 2026
  • This development enables high-performance batteries to function without the bulky pressurization hardware that often adds excessive weight and volume to electric vehicle battery packs.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Typical pulsating aurora displays last 10 to 20 minutes, but Kerss had captured almost three hours of extreme pulsating auroras — an unusually powerful display and one of the longest on record, according to the statement.
    Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Threats are growing from more extreme weather.
    Michael Copley, NPR, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The deal comes as New Delhi moves to diversify export markets to offset the impact of steep tariffs imposed by the United States and instability in shipping and energy routes due to the Iran war.
    ABC News, ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Hispanic adults and residents of Western states experienced the steepest increases in rectal cancer deaths, the study found.
    Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Bringing his bag of insane tricks and witty banter to the Wilshire Ebell Theatre for two nights on May 8 and 9, Willman’s crowd work, storytelling and intricate tricks are inspired by everyday life.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Just this insane profanity-laden tirade that went on and on and on.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • While the crowd left with free T-shirts, the Spurs received more extravagant clothing from Kelly Olynyk, who celebrated his 35th birthday Sunday by handing out gifts.
    ABC News, ABC News, 20 Apr. 2026
  • What was your most extravagant impulse purchase?
    Avery Newmark, AJC.com, 20 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Inordinate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inordinate. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on inordinate

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster