excessive
[ik-ses-iv]
- going beyond the usual, necessary, or proper limit or degree; characterized by excess: excessive charges; excessive criticism.
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Origin of excessive
Synonyms
See more synonyms for excessive on Thesaurus.comimmoderate, extravagant, inordinate, exorbitant, unreasonable.
Antonyms
reasonable.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for excessive
Contemporary Examples
Excessive force to combat minor infractions of the law is the central issue today.
The list of banned items from the BBFC seems altogether ridiculous and excessive.
Excessive alcohol consumption is a major public health problem in the United States.
For men, excessive, or binge drinking, is defined as five or more drinks at one time, or more than 15 drinks during the week.
Women who drink while pregnant—any amount—as well as underage drinkers, are also defined as “excessive drinkers.”
Historical Examples
Boldness and excessive timidity are the two extremes to be avoided.
Female Scripture Biographies, Vol. IFrancis Augustus Cox
Philip himself, too, was morbid in his excessive tenderness for this boy.
Night and Morning, CompleteEdward Bulwer-Lytton
At that moment, to his excessive astonishment, the organ began to peal forth.
The ChanningsMrs. Henry Wood
As to Lady Olivia's excessive sensibility, I have no faith in it.
Tales And Novels, Volume 8 (of 10)Maria Edgeworth
All of them rushed upon his lordship with an excessive manner.
Ruggles of Red GapHarry Leon Wilson
excessive
- exceeding the normal or permitted extents or limits; immoderate; inordinate
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for excessive
adj.
late 14c., from Old French excessif "excessive, oppressive," from Latin excess-, past participle stem of excedere "to depart, go beyond" (see exceed). Related: Excessively; excessiveness.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper