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.

Researchers identified evidence that a protein and sugar-tagging pathway is excessively active in Alzheimer's disease.

From Science Daily • Jun. 10, 2026

Roberge argues that the trade centered on “momentum” stocks—shares that have risen sharply and attracted increasing investor attention—had become excessively crowded.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

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

From Slate • May 16, 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

There is no record indicating that he bled excessively during the surgery.

From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston

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