excessive
9 synonyms and 3 antonyms for excessive, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Going beyond a reasonable or acceptable amount; too much.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use excessive
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
excessive force
excessive amount
excessive drinking
Etymology
From Old French excessif, from Medieval Latin excessivus, built on excess.
Full origin of excessive →Frequently asked questions
What does “excessive” mean?
The word “excessive” means going beyond a reasonable or acceptable amount; too much. In plain terms, more than is reasonable or necessary.
How do you pronounce “excessive”?
“Excessive” is pronounced ihk-SEH-sihv (/ɪkˈsɛsɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “excessive” in a sentence?
Here is “excessive” used in a sentence: “The court ruled the fine was excessive for such a minor offence.”
What is the opposite of “excessive”?
The opposite of “excessive” — its antonyms — are deficient, insufficient and moderate.
What part of speech is “excessive”?
“Excessive” is an adjective.
Where does the word “excessive” come from?
The word “excessive” comes from Medieval Latin. From Old French excessif, from Medieval Latin excessivus, built on excess.
Is “excessive” a common word?
“Excessive” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between excessive and sufficient?
Excessive means going beyond a reasonable or acceptable amount, in other words too much. Sufficient means just enough to meet a need, so the two are opposites: sufficient satisfies a requirement while excessive overshoots it.
What is the difference between excessive and abundant?
Abundant describes a plentiful, generous amount and usually carries a positive tone. Excessive describes an amount that goes beyond what is reasonable or acceptable and carries a negative tone, implying there is more than there should be.
What are common collocations with the word excessive?
Excessive frequently precedes nouns such as "excessive force," "excessive noise," "excessive spending," "excessive drinking," and "excessive heat." It almost always describes an amount or degree that is judged too high.
