Which word describes an excessive use of words?

The term that describes an excessive use of words is "verbose." This word characterizes a style of communication where more words than necessary are used, making the message longer and more complicated. Verbose writing or speaking often includes unnecessary elaboration or redundancy, which can detract from clarity and impact.

For example, in professional or academic contexts, being verbose can lead to misunderstandings or a loss of the main point, as the reader or listener may struggle to sift through the excess information. In contrast, concise, direct, and clear communication aims to convey ideas more efficiently, without unnecessary embellishments, making those alternatives less applicable to this specific definition.