1
as in free
not costing or charging anything
A local veterinary technician provides gratuitous services to the animal shelter twice a month.
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unnecessary
not needed by the circumstances or to accomplish an end
that violent scene was completely gratuitous and didn't need to be in the movie at all
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of gratuitous
But this is not the kind of movie that hinges on abrupt reveals or gratuitous twists.
—
Jessica Kiang, Variety, 14 May 2025
For Sam Tanenhaus to out Bill Rusher 14 years after his death, with no supporting evidence and to no narrative purpose, is wholly gratuitous.
—Neal B. Freeman, National Review, 13 May 2025
Though difficult and uncomfortable to watch, the scene never feels gratuitous.
—Fidel Martinez, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2025
Related Stories The result is a passably diverting curio that remains on the level of juvenile fantasy adventure, but with gratuitous elements inappropriate for younger viewers.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for gratuitous
Jessica Kiang, Variety, 14 May 2025
For Sam Tanenhaus to out Bill Rusher 14 years after his death, with no supporting evidence and to no narrative purpose, is wholly gratuitous.
—Neal B. Freeman, National Review, 13 May 2025
Though difficult and uncomfortable to watch, the scene never feels gratuitous.
—Fidel Martinez, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2025
Related Stories The result is a passably diverting curio that remains on the level of juvenile fantasy adventure, but with gratuitous elements inappropriate for younger viewers.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for gratuitous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gratuitous
Adjective
-
Charania also reported that the Nuggets are signing guard Bruce Brown in free agency.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
1 July 2025
-
This isn’t a free pass to every office space owner.—
Brett Owens,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
Adjective
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These scans can detect benign anomalies that trigger unnecessary follow-ups and patient anxiety.—
Sindhya Valloppillil,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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Plus, billions of dollars are spent on unnecessary tests—contributing to rising national health care costs and exacerbating terse relations between hospitals and insurance companies.—
Alexis Kayser,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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Media partners see revenue shares ranging from 35 to 55 percent, along with optional setup fees and GDPR-compliant privacy protections.—
Sandy Carter,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
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Diners can also add on an optional wine pairing for an additional fee.—
NWA Democrat-Gazette,
Arkansas Online,
23 June 2025
Adjective
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Enjoy complimentary access to the Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club network and Priority PassTM Select membership.—
Ryley Amond,
CNBC,
24 June 2025
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Bookings in all 13 rooms and suites include complimentary Southern breakfast.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
21 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gratuitous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gratuitous. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
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