extravagance

noun

ex·​trav·​a·​gance ik-ˈstra-vi-gən(t)s How to pronounce extravagance (audio)
Synonyms of extravagancenext
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

Synonyms

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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
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.
Outside of dining and drinking, passengers will find even more extravagance in the superyacht. — Spencer Whaley, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025 Activists in Venice, Italy, are protesting the upcoming destination wedding of tech billionaire Jeff Bezos and journalist Lauren Sánchez, as reports of the event's extreme extravagance divide the city. — Rachel Treisman, NPR, 23 June 2025 Dakota Johnson Video: Getty Images While Cannes is often associated with extravagance and over-the-top glamour, Johnson and stylist Kate Young proved that minimalism can also shine at the festival. — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 25 May 2025 Yet now White House officials and other critics of the project are pointing to the marble as a sign of extravagance. — Christopher Rugaber, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for extravagance

Word History

First Known Use

1640, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of extravagance was in 1640

Browse Nearby Words

extrauterine
extravagance
extravagancy
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Extravagance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extravagance. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.

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Kids Definition

extravagance

noun
ex·​trav·​a·​gance ik-ˈstrav-i-gən(t)s How to pronounce extravagance (audio)
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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