1 excessive | Definition of excessive
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excessive

adjective
ex·​ces·​sive | \ ik-ˈse-siv How to pronounce excessive (audio) \

Definition of excessive

: exceeding what is usual, proper, necessary, or normal
Other Words from excessive Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about excessive

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Other Words from excessive

excessively adverb
excessiveness noun

Choose the Right Synonym for excessive

excessive, immoderate, inordinate, extravagant, exorbitant, extreme mean going beyond a normal limit. excessive implies an amount or degree too great to be reasonable or acceptable. excessive punishment immoderate implies lack of desirable or necessary restraint. immoderate spending inordinate implies an exceeding of the limits dictated by reason or good judgment. inordinate pride extravagant implies an indifference to restraints imposed by truth, prudence, or good taste. extravagant claims for the product exorbitant implies a departure from accepted standards regarding amount or degree. exorbitant prices extreme may imply an approach to the farthest limit possible or conceivable but commonly means only to a notably high degree. extreme shyness

Examples of excessive in a Sentence

an excessive display of wealth High fever, nausea, and excessive sweating are some of the symptoms.

Recent Examples on the Web

 The lawsuit targeting Westminster and Bare accuses police of using excessive force in violation of the U.S. Constitution. — Bruce Finley, The Denver Post, "A year later, Nepali-Americans mourn, demand justice in Westminster police killing of unarmed immigrant Birendra Thakuri," 25 Aug. 2019 The protesters seek the resignation of Hong Kong’s chief executive, an inquiry into excessive force on the part of police, and the release of political prisoners. — Casey Newton, The Verge, "China is the latest superpower to get caught waging a disinformation campaign on Twitter," 20 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'excessive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of excessive

14th century, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for excessive

excessive

adjective
How to pronounce excessive (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of excessive

: going beyond what is usual, normal, or proper

See the full definition for excessive in the English Language Learners Dictionary

excessive

adjective
ex·​ces·​sive | \ ik-ˈse-siv How to pronounce excessive (audio) \

Kids Definition of excessive

: being too much excessive talking

Other Words from excessive

excessively adverb

excessive

adjective
ex·​ces·​sive

Legal Definition of excessive

: exceeding what is proper, necessary, or normal specifically : being out of proportion to the offense excessive bail

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