as in excess
being over what is needed
surplus stock gets shipped to the warehouse and is eventually sold at auction
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in overflow
the state or an instance of going beyond what is usual, proper, or needed
we have a surplus of plastic knives, but we're short on forks and spoons for the picnic
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of surplus
Molly McCrea, CBS News, 12 June 2026
The state has been blowing through its surplus fund from years of deficit spending.
—Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 11 June 2026
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 June 2026
As those temporary surpluses faded, homelessness spending fell sharply.
—Benjamin F. Henwood, Fortune, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for surplus
Adjective
The San Francisco Public Library says the program is a partnership with the city's Environment Department and SCRAP, a nonprofit that repuposes surplus art materials for creative use.
—Molly McCrea, CBS News, 12 June 2026
The state has been blowing through its surplus fund from years of deficit spending.
—Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 11 June 2026
Noun
Martinez estimates Roy Pope surplus items benefited hundreds of locals in need.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 June 2026
As those temporary surpluses faded, homelessness spending fell sharply.
—Benjamin F. Henwood, Fortune, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for surplus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surplus
Adjective
-
The formula combines an acne-fighting trio of AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs to exfoliate away dead skin cells and unclog pores, while tea tree leaf water further targets breakouts, and calamine keeps excess oil in check.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
18 June 2026
-
Nearby residents experience higher air pollution and excess noise.—
Rachel Mural,
The Conversation,
18 June 2026
Noun
-
And a $50,000 contingency fund was set up in case the center needed to be open for additional nights, to provide hotel vouchers for families or to address overflow needs.—
Molly Morrow,
Chicago Tribune,
11 June 2026
-
In one clip, Kamohai pushes a snow plow-like device through the garage to push around the overflow.—
Colson Thayer,
PEOPLE,
10 June 2026
Adjective
-
The president, who has repeatedly described himself as a Knicks fan, had attended Game 3, prompting heightening security concerns and extra security measures for attendees.—
Mark Morales,
CNN Money,
18 June 2026
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Your thoughts may feel extra charged today!—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
Adjective
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On a recent visit, the martini arrived cold and spare, without the little cloud of theater that can make a classic drink feel overhandled.—
Noel Burgess,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
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The technology has advanced so quickly, in fact, that its end result — untraceable weapons, assembled from spare parts and plastic frames — often confounds existing laws and presents a unique enforcement problem for authorities.—
Jack Crosbie,
Rolling Stone,
17 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Surplus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surplus. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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