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Synonyms

excessive

American  
[ik-ses-iv] / ɪkˈsɛs ɪv /

adjective

  1. going beyond the usual, necessary, or proper limit or degree; characterized by excess.

    excessive charges; excessive criticism.

    Synonyms:
    unreasonable, exorbitant, inordinate, extravagant, immoderate
    Antonyms:
    reasonable

excessive British  
/ ɪkˈsɛsɪv /

adjective

  1. exceeding the normal or permitted extents or limits; immoderate; inordinate

"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

Other Word Forms

  • excessively adverb
  • excessiveness noun
  • nonexcessive adjective
  • nonexcessiveness noun
  • quasi-excessive adjective
  • unexcessive adjective

Etymology

Origin of excessive

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English ( excess, -ive ); replacing Middle English excessif, from Middle French

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.

Thirty-six wickets fell in six sessions in the showpiece Boxing Day match, with excessive seam movement on offer for pace bowlers.

From BBC

Page and his team left 10 millimetres of grass on the wicket, providing fast bowlers with excessive seam movement and bounce which made batting treacherous.

From Barron's

It comes after the tourists surrendered the series inside three Tests and follows reports of excessive drinking on their holiday in Noosa.

From BBC

The Journal’s analysis showed substantial excessive refilling of several common drugs.

From The Wall Street Journal

The inexorable spending growth spurred Indiana Republicans this spring to impose reforms, including more rigorous eligibility checks and guardrails to prevent excessive billing.

From The Wall Street Journal