extravagance
noun
ex·trav·a·gance
ik-ˈstra-vi-gən(t)s 
1
a
: an instance of excess or prodigality
specifically
: an excessive outlay of money
b
: something extravagant
a new car is an extravagance we can't afford
2
: the quality or fact of being extravagant
the extravagance of the decorations
Examples of extravagance in a Sentence
The reorganization of the department was aimed at reducing extravagance.
That coat is an extravagance that you can't afford.
Going to the play will be our one extravagance for this vacation.
I was shocked by the extravagance of their lifestyle.
The church is known for the extravagance of its architecture.
Recent Examples on the Web
During the Gilded Age—a period of American history from about 1870 to 1900, marked by explosive growth in industry and technology, and the extravagance of those who profited off its working class—Newport was the summer playground for the 1 percent.
—
AFAR Media, 3 July 2025
The simple elegance of the White House was a deliberate break from the over-the-top extravagance of European, Middle Eastern and Asian Imperial palaces.
—Doug McIntyre, Oc Register, 22 June 2025
According to the country’s official KCNA news service, Kim opened the sprawling Kalma beachside resort with waterparks, high-rise hotels, and accommodations for nearly 20,000 guests — a sweeping display of extravagance in one of the world’s most reclusive nations.
—Mike Valerio, CNN Money, 26 June 2025
On monthly Red Mirror Party nights, the whole space tilts into extravagance: live shows, flowing Champagne, and a dress code best described as ‘shiny’.
—Lela London, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for extravagance
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AFAR Media, 3 July 2025
The simple elegance of the White House was a deliberate break from the over-the-top extravagance of European, Middle Eastern and Asian Imperial palaces.
—Doug McIntyre, Oc Register, 22 June 2025
According to the country’s official KCNA news service, Kim opened the sprawling Kalma beachside resort with waterparks, high-rise hotels, and accommodations for nearly 20,000 guests — a sweeping display of extravagance in one of the world’s most reclusive nations.
—Mike Valerio, CNN Money, 26 June 2025
On monthly Red Mirror Party nights, the whole space tilts into extravagance: live shows, flowing Champagne, and a dress code best described as ‘shiny’.
—Lela London, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for extravagance
Cite this Entry
“Extravagance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extravagance. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
extravagance
noun
ex·trav·a·gance
ik-ˈstrav-i-gən(t)s
1
a
: the wasteful or careless spending of money
b
: something that is extravagant
2
: the quality or fact of being extravagant
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