extreme 1 of 2

adjective

ik-ˈstrēm How to pronounce extreme (audio)
Definition of extremenext
1
as in farthest
most distant from a center spacecraft that is specially designed to explore the extreme edge of our solar system

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in radical
being very far from the center of public opinion their extreme political views attracted only a small band of followers

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in excessive
going beyond a normal or acceptable limit in degree or amount in their extreme zeal the members of the cult are willing to do whatever their leader dictates

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

extreme

2 of 2

noun

1
as in extremity

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in most

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word extreme different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of extreme are excessive, exorbitant, extravagant, immoderate, and inordinate. While all these words mean "going beyond a normal limit," extreme may imply an approach to the farthest limit possible or conceivable but commonly means only to a notably high degree.

extreme shyness

When is it sensible to use excessive instead of extreme?

Although the words excessive and extreme have much in common, excessive implies an amount or degree too great to be reasonable or acceptable.

excessive punishment

Where would exorbitant be a reasonable alternative to extreme?

The words exorbitant and extreme are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exorbitant implies a departure from accepted standards regarding amount or degree.

exorbitant prices

When might extravagant be a better fit than extreme?

The meanings of extravagant and extreme largely overlap; however, extravagant implies an indifference to restraints imposed by truth, prudence, or good taste.

extravagant claims for the product

In what contexts can immoderate take the place of extreme?

The words immoderate and extreme can be used in similar contexts, but immoderate implies lack of desirable or necessary restraint.

immoderate spending

When could inordinate be used to replace extreme?

While the synonyms inordinate and extreme are close in meaning, inordinate implies an exceeding of the limits dictated by reason or good judgment.

inordinate pride

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of extreme
Adjective
The consequences will only become more extreme as artificial intelligence drives larger portions of the economy and the internet. —Spencer Cox, Time, 4 Apr. 2025 In extreme cases, sextortion has led to at least 30 suicides since 2021, according to the FBI. —Krystal Nurse, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
Taking basic eyeshadow to extreme with pops of bright blues and vibrant pinks. —Melanie Curry, Refinery29, 28 Mar. 2025 On the flip side, some retirees swing to the other extreme, packing their schedules with social activities. —Kiplinger Consumer News Service, Boston Herald, 27 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for extreme
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extreme
  1. farthest
  2. radical
  3. excessive
  4. extremity
  5. rabid
  6. insane
  7. peak
  8. maximum
Adjective
  • That's close to the farthest point in its orbit, which is 252,088 miles away, according to NASA.
    — Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 12 Jan. 2023
  • Shortly before entering that orbit, NASA says Orion will travel 57, 287 miles beyond the moon at its farthest point from the lunar surface.
    — Lee Roop | [email protected], al, 23 Nov. 2022
Definition of farthest
Adjective
  • Europe is in the midst of its own radical transformation, singed and stunned by Trump's tariffs, constant insults, undermining NATO and siding with Russia over Ukraine.
    — Axios, Axios, 9 Apr. 2025
  • When Grant became president in 1869 and tried to crack down on the Ku Klux Klan and other white supremacist groups, ex-Confederates demonized him as a radical extremist who had betrayed his promises to Lee.
    — Made by History, Time, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of radical
Adjective
  • This study, which was published in the journal Neurology, comes when clinicians and public health advocates are raising awareness of alcohol use disorder and issues related to excessive alcohol consumption.
    — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Avoid constipation as excessive straining can weaken the pelvic floor.
    — Violeta Valdés, Vogue, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of excessive
Noun
  • Once at the hospital, he was put on dialysis, and emergency surgery was done to help relieve pressure building in his extremities, according to ESPN.
    — Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Blue or Red Skin in One Limb A blood clot within an extremity vein can cause the skin to turn pinkish, reddish, or discolored.3 This change in skin color is due to inflammation of the surrounding tissues caused by restricting blood flow back up to the heart.
    — Alicen Nelson MD, Verywell Health, 27 Mar. 2025
Definition of extremity
Adjective
  • King’s 1981 book about a mother and son who get trapped in their car while protecting themselves from a rabid dog was first adapted for the screen in the 1983.
    — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 18 Mar. 2025
  • The independent releasing strategy tied to another of Roth’s points of horror, the rabid fanbase.
    — Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of rabid
Adjective
  • Your voice is insane.
    — Mary Colurso | [email protected], al, 4 Apr. 2023
  • The Republican and right-wing reaction is just insane.
    — Michael Tomasky, The New Republic, 31 Mar. 2023
Definition of insane
Noun
  • Dell rates this ultrawide monitor at 350 nits (candelas per square meter) of brightness, though in our tests, the monitor reached a peak luminance of just 265 nits.
    — PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Plus, the act of putting a mask on in and of itself feels like peak self-care.
    — Annie Blackman, Allure, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of peak
Noun
  • The charge carries a maximum of 10 years in prison, federal officials said.
    — Staff report, Hartford Courant, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Beginning the week of June 2, soldiers, their horses and the caisson will carry caskets for two funerals a day and a maximum of 10 per week.
    — Tom Vanden Brook, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of maximum

Browse Nearby Words

extravaganzas
extreme
extremely
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Cite this Entry

“Extreme.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extreme. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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