Excessive — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ik-ˈse-siv/ ex·ces·sive

Meaning & Definition of Excessive

Excessive (adjective)

  1. exceeding what is usual, proper, necessary, or normal

Excessive (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. going beyond a normal or acceptable limit in degree or amount

    "nerdy hackers who spend an excessive amount of time sitting in front of their computers"

    similar: baroque, devilish, exorbitant, extravagant, extreme, fancy, immoderate, inordinate, insane, intolerable, lavish, overdue, overextravagant, overmuch, over-the-top, overweening, plethoric, steep, stiff, towering, unconscionable, undue, unmerciful, a bit much
    related: boundless, endless, immeasurable, infinite, limitless, unbearable, unjustifiable, unwarranted, improper, inappropriate, thick, unseemly, unrestrained
    opposite: middling, moderate, modest, reasonable, temperate
    near: deficient, inadequate, insufficient, minimal, minimum

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Excessive

The most common words with a similar meaning to Excessive:

baroque, devilish, exorbitant, extravagant, extreme, fancy, immoderate, inordinate, insane, intolerable, lavish, overdue, overextravagant, overmuch, over-the-top, overweening, plethoric, steep, stiff, towering, unconscionable, undue, unmerciful, a bit much

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Excessive

Words with the opposite meaning of Excessive:

middling, moderate, modest, reasonable, temperate

Related Words for Excessive

boundless, endless, immeasurable, infinite, limitless, unbearable, unjustifiable, unwarranted, improper, inappropriate, thick, unseemly, unrestrained

Near Antonyms of Excessive

deficient, inadequate, insufficient, minimal, minimum

Word Forms of Excessive

Derived words: excessively (adverb), excessiveness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Excessive

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Excessive

Frequently Asked Questions about Excessive

What does "Excessive" mean?

"Excessive" means exceeding what is usual, proper, necessary, or normal. As an adjective, it is defined as: exceeding what is usual, proper, necessary, or normal.

What is another word for "Excessive"?

Other words for "Excessive" include baroque, devilish, exorbitant, extravagant, extreme, fancy, immoderate and inordinate. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Excessive" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Excessive"?

There are 37 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Excessive". Common alternatives include baroque, devilish, exorbitant, extravagant, extreme, fancy, immoderate, inordinate, insane and intolerable.

What is the opposite of "Excessive"?

Antonyms of "Excessive" include middling, moderate, modest, reasonable and temperate. Near antonyms include deficient, inadequate, insufficient and minimal.

How do you use "Excessive" in a sentence?

Examples of "Excessive" in a sentence: "nerdy hackers who spend an excessive amount of time sitting in front of their computers".

Is "Excessive" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Excessive" is an adjective.

Is "Excessive" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Excessive" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Excessive"?

"Excessive" is pronounced /ik-ˈse-siv/ and divided into syllables as ex·ces·sive.