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

nonexcessively adverb
quasi-excessively adverb
unexcessively adverb

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.

“But broad-based and open-ended measures may add excessively to demand and strengthen the pass-through.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

Kaley has been diagnosed with body dysmorphia, a condition where people worry excessively about their physical appearance.

From BBC • Feb. 26, 2026

If lighting is too dim and the pupil narrows excessively at short viewing distances, retinal activity may not be strong enough to support normal visual development.

From Science Daily • Feb. 19, 2026

Taxi drivers in Greece on Wednesday kicked off a two-day nationwide strike over new rules which they say excessively favour private vehicles for hire.

From Barron's • Feb. 18, 2026

“The discussion is excessively electric. We sometimes emerge from it with tired minds, like an electric battery after it’s run down,” Vincent tells Theo.

From "Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers" by Deborah Heiligman

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