Synonyms

excessively

American

[ik-ses-iv-lee] / ɪkˈsɛs ɪv li /

adverb

in a way that goes beyond the usual, necessary, or proper limit or degree.

Applying an excessively thick layer of mulch limits oxygen in the soil and can suffocate the plants.

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of excessively

excessive ( def. ) + -ly

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.

"Excessively optimistic growth expectations about AI could be revised in light of incoming data from early adopters and could trigger a market correction," the IMF said.

From BBC • Oct. 14, 2025

He has hyperhidrosis, which I didn’t even know was a thing: Excessively sweaty palms.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 12, 2023

"Excessively large portion sizes are an American phenomenon," said Devangshu Dutta, head of retail consultancy Third Eyesight.

From Reuters • Jun. 7, 2023

Excessively dry or wet air can aggravate snoring, as can sleeping at a high altitude.

From New York Times • May 12, 2022

Excessively shy by nature, he had gone his solitary way for so long that he didn’t know how to take the jokes and banter and mild horse-play of a crowd of boys.

From Under Boy Scout Colors by Ames, Joseph Bushnell

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023