EXTINCT Synonyms: 35 Similar and Opposite Words

extinct

adjective

ik-ˈstiŋ(k)t

Definition of extinct

as in defunct

no longer existing a few overgrown ruins are all that remain of that once mighty but now extinct civilization

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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 extinct New Todds are essentially extinct, having dropped outside the top 1,000 names back in 2014. — Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 26 Sep. 2026 And none of the scientists could match his distinct nose to anything alive or extinct. — Niranjana Rajalakshmi, Popular Science, 24 Sep. 2026 In a few years’ time, the northern white rhinoceros will be extinct. — Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026 But disease, habitat loss and food decline devastated their populations until they were presumed to be extinct in the 1970s. — Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 21 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for extinct

Recent Examples of Synonyms for extinct

Adjective

During the renovation, a grenade from the Spanish Civil War was unearthed—fortunately defunct.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Herman, a former professor in UCLA’s painting and drawing department and co-founder of the now-defunct Black Dragon Society gallery in Chinatown, lives with the work of his former students and friends crammed throughout his home.

— Marissa Gluck, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of defunct

Adjective

Not only can throwing these items away keep your home functional by not keeping expired items on hand, but Jones says this also helps to reduce the visual clutter as well.

— Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 17 Sep. 2026
Updating your medicine cabinet will take care of any expired medications and reduce needless excess.

— Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of expired

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externships

extinct

extinction

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“Extinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extinct. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of extinct

adjective

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