Definitions

excessive

[ik-ses-iv] / ɪkˈsɛs ɪv /

ADJECTIVE

too much; overdone

Synonyms

STRONGEST

disproportionate enormous exaggerated exorbitant extra extravagant extreme inordinate needless redundant steep superfluous unconscionable undue unreasonable

WEAK

boundless dissipated dizzying immoderate indulgent intemperate limitless more over overboard overkill overmuch plethoric prodigal profligate recrementitious self-indulgent sky-high stiff stratospheric super superabundant supernatural too many towering unbounded unmeasurable way-out

Antonyms

STRONGEST

cheap close economical essential inexpensive low mild moderate necessary needed reasonable sensible

WEAK

insufficient underdone

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

There should be no single, all-powerful character around which a democracy revolves, so it is considered unseemly to lavish excessive finery on the head of state.

From Slate • Jun. 11, 2026

At the same time, taking excessive risk could expose you to significant losses.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 11, 2026

Somerset Council wrote to the regulator asking for changes and arguing the rules are excessive and no longer proportionate.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

However, with his nuanced unraveling of sometimes dauntingly tangled ideas and his always crisp prose he avoids the pitfalls of oversimplification and excessive detail.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026

The fourth subsection covers issues having to do with excessive abstraction, including overuse of nominalizations and passives.

From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker

Vocabulary lists containing excessive

The Bill of Rights

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Unit 2: Pivotal Words and Phrases

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"Too Young to Drive?" and "Rules of the Road"

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