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
Synonyms
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
Credit goes to the production staff who replicated the plain brown suit (although the show’s appears more burgundy) and fur cap that Franklin consciously chose to symbolize American republicanism in the face of French extravagance.
—
Craig Bruce Smith, TIME, 12 Apr. 2024
Don’t let extravagance, excess and overreacting become your downfalls.
—Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 12 Apr. 2024
Consumers are spending on essentials and extravagances alike, suggesting people don’t fear trouble ahead.
—Rachel Siegel, Washington Post, 11 Apr. 2024
But what started out as a satire of ’80s greed and extravagance, with a budget that swelled to nearly $50 million, became a cautionary tale instead.
—Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2024
The minister replied contemptuously that ballet dancers were like saffron — the most expensive spice — on hospital food, an extravagance.
—Brian Seibert, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2024
The best part about the hair and makeup that decorated the runways was the blend of extravagance and accessibility—though striking, the above-neck details were immediately identifiable as ready-to-wear, sans modifications.
—Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 8 Mar. 2024
The table settings in France in the mid 18th century were a thing of extravagance.
—Gaile Robinson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Jan. 2024
First, book one of the splashy suites or villas at one of the area's high-end hotels, to get to enjoy that Gilded Age extravagance, with staff attending to your every whim both in your room and by the pool or beach.
—Alex Apatoff, Peoplemag, 20 Mar. 2024
Craig Bruce Smith, TIME, 12 Apr. 2024
Don’t let extravagance, excess and overreacting become your downfalls.
—Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 12 Apr. 2024
Consumers are spending on essentials and extravagances alike, suggesting people don’t fear trouble ahead.
—Rachel Siegel, Washington Post, 11 Apr. 2024
But what started out as a satire of ’80s greed and extravagance, with a budget that swelled to nearly $50 million, became a cautionary tale instead.
—Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2024
The minister replied contemptuously that ballet dancers were like saffron — the most expensive spice — on hospital food, an extravagance.
—Brian Seibert, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2024
The best part about the hair and makeup that decorated the runways was the blend of extravagance and accessibility—though striking, the above-neck details were immediately identifiable as ready-to-wear, sans modifications.
—Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 8 Mar. 2024
The table settings in France in the mid 18th century were a thing of extravagance.
—Gaile Robinson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Jan. 2024
First, book one of the splashy suites or villas at one of the area's high-end hotels, to get to enjoy that Gilded Age extravagance, with staff attending to your every whim both in your room and by the pool or beach.
—Alex Apatoff, Peoplemag, 20 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'extravagance.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near extravagance
Cite this Entry
“Extravagance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extravagance. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.
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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