extravagant

[ik-strav-uh-guhnt]

adjective

1. spending much more than is necessary or wise; wasteful.

   an extravagant shopper.

   Synonyms: prodigal, spendthrift, imprudent
   Antonyms: thrifty, prudent

2. excessively high.

   extravagant expenses; extravagant prices.

   Synonyms: inordinate, excessive, immoderate
   Antonyms: moderate

3. exceeding the bounds of reason, as actions, demands, opinions, or passions.

   Synonyms: preposterous, absurd, wild, fantastic, unrestrained, unreasonable
   Antonyms: reasonable

4. going beyond what is deserved or justifiable.

   extravagant praise.

5. Obsolete.,  wandering beyond bounds.

extravagant

/ ɪkˈstrævəɡənt /

adjective

1. spending money excessively or immoderately

2. going beyond usual bounds; unrestrained

   extravagant praise

3. ostentatious; showy

4. exorbitant in price; overpriced

Other Word Forms

• extravagantly adverb
• extravagantness noun
• overextravagant adjective
• overextravagantly adverb
• unextravagant adjective
• unextravagantly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of extravagant¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Medieval Latin extrāvagant-, stem of extrāvagāns “wandering beyond,” present participle of extrāvagārī “to wander beyond,” from extrā- extra- + vagārī “to wander”

Word History and Origins

Origin of extravagant¹

C14: from Medieval Latin extravagāns, from Latin _extra- + vagārī to wander

Example Sentences

Brooks, who loves musicals more than any other sort of film, is known for her deep understanding of color and her ability to use close-ups and capture details even in the most extravagant dance number.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

One has donned an extravagant dress that features bright red-and-gold patterning.

Read more on Literature

All the rooms—from the public areas to the guest suites—were brightly colored with the most extravagant drapes, paints, and fabrics in pink and green.

Read more on Literature

After taking power in a coup in 1965, the former general changed the country's name to Zaire, installed a single-party system, muzzled the opposition and embezzled taxpayers' money with abandon to fund an extravagant lifestyle.

Read more on Barron's

At the same time, other advisers say that some people might not be able to keep their extravagant ways in check, making an annuity could be a safer option.

Read more on MarketWatch

Related Words

• absurd 
• bizarre 
• bling 
• blingy www.thesaurus.com
• costly 
• exaggerated 
• excessive 
• exorbitant 
• expensive 
• fanciful 
• fancy 
• fantastic 
• flamboyant 
• flashy 
• garish 
• gaudy 
• grandiose 
• implausible 
• lavish 
• ludicrous