ex·tinct
ik-ˈstiŋ(k)t 
ˈek-ˌstiŋ(k)t
ˈek-ˌstiŋ(k)t
1
a
: no longer burning
b
: no longer active
an extinct volcano
2
: no longer existing
an extinct animal
3
a
: gone out of use : superseded
b
: having no qualified claimant
an extinct title
Synonyms
Examples of extinct in a Sentence
Adjective
Many of these old traditions have since become extinct.
a few overgrown ruins are all that remain of that once mighty but now extinct civilization
Recent Examples on the Web
Leigh Phillips, The Atlantic, 9 July 2024
Over time, some species of grapes went extinct in Central and South America, but adapted and survived elsewhere.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 July 2024
Bridget Alex, Discover Magazine, 6 June 2024
Of the native species found in Illinois, the majority fall into a range from threatened to extinct, according to the state’s Department of Natural Resources.
—Morgan Greene, chicagotribune.com, 25 Sep. 2020
See all Example Sentences for extinct 
Adjective
Since humans arrived, some three-quarters of that country’s forest has been converted for their use, a sizable chunk of all endemic birds have gone extinct, and non-native species have multiplied.
—Leigh Phillips, The Atlantic, 9 July 2024
Over time, some species of grapes went extinct in Central and South America, but adapted and survived elsewhere.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 July 2024
Verb
Perhaps their aversion to new mates ultimately pushed Neanderthals from endangered to extinct.
—Bridget Alex, Discover Magazine, 6 June 2024
Of the native species found in Illinois, the majority fall into a range from threatened to extinct, according to the state’s Department of Natural Resources.
—Morgan Greene, chicagotribune.com, 25 Sep. 2020
See all Example Sentences for extinct
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'extinct.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Extinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extinct. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
extinct
adjective
ex·tinct
ik-ˈstiŋ(k)t
ˈek-ˌ
ˈek-ˌ
: no longer existing : lacking living representatives
extinct prehistoric animals
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