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.

It must become a philosophy that corrodes collective faith, collective beliefs, and becomes excessively individualistic.

From Slate • May 16, 2026

The researchers discovered that lysosomes in aged HSCs become excessively acidic, damaged, depleted, and abnormally active.

From Science Daily • May 12, 2026

Each target was legally viable, officials said, because it had a clear connection to Iran’s military and security forces and wouldn’t harm the civilian population excessively.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

To describe the phenomenon, he used the slang word "glazing" -- to excessively praise something.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

Laika, who for whatever reasons had an excessively guilty conscience, immediately dropped the snake and curled up in her “please don’t kill me” pose.

From "100 Sideways Miles" by Andrew Smith

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