Find Antonyms

excess Antonyms

Opposite of excess

Because the opposite of excess shifts with each meaning, the 19 antonyms and opposite words below are separated across 3 exact definitions and ranked by contrast strength.
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• noun (Context 1)

An amount of something that is more than necessary, permitted, or desirable.

Usage Example

"Blot the surface gently with a clean cloth to remove any shortage of moisture before painting."

Strongest
shortage
deficiency
deficit
Strong
scarcity
dearth
paucity
lack
insufficiency

• adjective (Context 2)

Exceeding a prescribed, normal, or desirable amount; extra or surplus.

Usage Example

"Passengers are required to pay an additional fee for any insufficient baggage at the airport check-in counter."

Strongest
insufficient
Strong
deficient
scarce
inadequate

• noun (Context 3)

Lack of moderation in behavior, especially in eating, drinking, or spending, or an outrageous or immoderate act (often used in the plural).

Usage Example

"The historical novel vividly portrays the lavish excesses of the royal court prior to the revolution."

Strongest
moderation
restraint
temperance
Strong
self-control
abstinence
frugality
austerity

Similar words to excess

Words similar to excess shift depending on context. Common synonyms include:

overindulgence
surplus
deductible
intemperance
overabundance
superabundance
extra
immoderation
See all synonyms of excess

• Nearby Words

exceptionalism
exceptionally
excerpt
excess
excessive
excessively
excessiveness

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Antonyms for Excess. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/antonyms/excess
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