extravagance
noun
ex·trav·a·gance
ik-ˈstra-vi-gən(t)s 
1
a
: an instance of excess or prodigality
specifically
: an excessive outlay of money
b
: something extravagant
a new car is an extravagance we can't afford
2
: the quality or fact of being extravagant
the extravagance of the decorations
Examples of extravagance in a Sentence
The reorganization of the department was aimed at reducing extravagance.
That coat is an extravagance that you can't afford.
Going to the play will be our one extravagance for this vacation.
I was shocked by the extravagance of their lifestyle.
The church is known for the extravagance of its architecture.
Recent Examples on the Web
Yet now White House officials and other critics of the project are pointing to the marble as a sign of extravagance.
—
Christopher Rugaber, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2025
Jerome Powell defended the Federal Reserve’s D.C. headquarters renovations in a detailed response to White House budget director Russ Vought, rejecting claims of extravagance and reaffirming that all work follows historic preservation and accessibility standards.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 18 July 2025
The interior eschews unnecessary heft by leaving out any use of such extravagances as undercoating, a heater, and backrests on the rear seats.
—Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 14 July 2025
Outfitted with a modest personal bedroom and bathroom, the Royal Train reflected the Queen's preference for practicality over extravagance.
—Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for extravagance
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Christopher Rugaber, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2025
Jerome Powell defended the Federal Reserve’s D.C. headquarters renovations in a detailed response to White House budget director Russ Vought, rejecting claims of extravagance and reaffirming that all work follows historic preservation and accessibility standards.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 18 July 2025
The interior eschews unnecessary heft by leaving out any use of such extravagances as undercoating, a heater, and backrests on the rear seats.
—Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 14 July 2025
Outfitted with a modest personal bedroom and bathroom, the Royal Train reflected the Queen's preference for practicality over extravagance.
—Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for extravagance
Cite this Entry
“Extravagance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extravagance. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
extravagance
noun
ex·trav·a·gance
ik-ˈstrav-i-gən(t)s
1
a
: the wasteful or careless spending of money
b
: something that is extravagant
2
: the quality or fact of being extravagant
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