extravagant

adjective

ik-ˈstra-vi-gənt How to pronounce extravagant (audio)
Definition of extravagantnext
1
as in wasteful
given to spending money freely or foolishly the billionaire's son is the typically extravagant playboy who hasn't earned any of what he spends

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in excessive
going beyond a normal or acceptable limit in degree or amount the book doesn't quite merit the extravagant praise that it has received

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in expensive
commanding a large price wooed her with an array of extravagant gifts

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 One team of officers had traveled from mainland China to treat Alvin’s parents in Hong Kong to an extravagant dinner. —Cora Engelbrecht, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2025 When the film Gone With the Wind debuted in 1939, an extravagant premiere gala unfolded over three days in downtown Atlanta. —Ellen Wexler, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Mar. 2025 Its extravagant Beaux Arts design, featuring garlands, arched windows, and decorative cartouches, are a sight to behold. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 22 Mar. 2025 In the early 1980s, Mugler became known for creating extravagant designs that transformed the female body. —Renan Botelho, WWD, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for extravagant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extravagant
  1. wasteful
  2. excessive
  3. expensive
  4. extreme
  5. valuable
  6. insane
  7. costly
  8. lavish
Adjective
  • DeSantis announced the new agency in February to expose and eliminate what officials deem wasteful spending by state agencies, colleges and universities, and local governments.
    — Kathryn Varn, Axios, 8 Apr. 2025
  • This increases your close rates, limits wasteful spending and adds efficiency to the post-sign-up process.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of wasteful
Adjective
  • This study, which was published in the journal Neurology, comes when clinicians and public health advocates are raising awareness of alcohol use disorder and issues related to excessive alcohol consumption.
    — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Avoid constipation as excessive straining can weaken the pelvic floor.
    — Violeta Valdés, Vogue, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of excessive
Adjective
  • Your daily cup of joe could get even more expensive under new U.S. tariffs on dozens of countries around the world.
    — Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Especially now, with everything being expensive, brands may be even more motivated to use food as a prop in their imagery.
    — Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of expensive
Adjective
  • And interstate commerce is affected — the extreme flooding across a corridor that includes the major cargo hubs in Louisville, Ky., and Memphis could lead to shipping and supply chain delays, said Jonathan Porter, chief meteorologist at AccuWeather.
    — Bruce Schreiner and Obed Lamy, Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Two main factors are considered — burn probability and expected fire behavior under extreme conditions.
    — Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of extreme
Adjective
  • These shoes are so highly coveted and valuable that Sotheby’s hosted an auction to sell them.
    — Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Unbeknownst to them, one friend intends to rob the place, seeking a valuable antique.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of valuable
Adjective
  • Amanda learned in like 10 seconds, which is insane.
    — Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Mar. 2025
  • If 51% of the population is being so underserved, the ratio to opportunity is insane.
    — Gemma Allen, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
Definition of insane
Adjective
  • Broadway is a costly, heavily unionized business and stars like Washington and Clooney don’t like to get tied up in the same project for months, let alone years.
    — Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Russia has invested heavily in developing hypersonic missiles, storming ahead with its costly programs before hammering Ukraine with missiles like the Kinzhal and Tsirkon.
    — John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of costly
Adjective
  • For all his Trump flattery and lavish gift-giving, Abe never scored Japan a pass in Trump 1.0 tariffs.
    — William Pesek, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The kitchen serves as the heart of the home, blending seamlessly into a sunlit family and sitting room — perfect for everything from lingering over Sunday brunch to lavish summer entertaining.
    — Miriam Schwartz, Boston Herald, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of lavish

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Cite this Entry

“Extravagant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extravagant. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

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