1
as in free
not costing or charging anything
A local veterinary technician provides gratuitous services to the animal shelter twice a month.
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of gratuitous
Thank god, as the two-week break between conference title weekend and the Big Game always feels gratuitous from my vantage point.
—
Chris Branch, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2026
The result in practice tends to be gratuitous spending for minimal present gains.
—James Broughel, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
According to an account of the phone call with Ailes, which Carlson later related to his former college roommate Neil Patel, Ailes began their conversation with a gratuitous insult.
—Jason Zengerle, New Yorker, 24 Jan. 2026
That’s not a gratuitous question, given King’s past.
—John Blake, CNN Money, 18 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gratuitous
Chris Branch, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2026
The result in practice tends to be gratuitous spending for minimal present gains.
—James Broughel, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
According to an account of the phone call with Ailes, which Carlson later related to his former college roommate Neil Patel, Ailes began their conversation with a gratuitous insult.
—Jason Zengerle, New Yorker, 24 Jan. 2026
That’s not a gratuitous question, given King’s past.
—John Blake, CNN Money, 18 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gratuitous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gratuitous
Adjective
-
My awe had barely subsided when, two minutes later, James got the ball, raced just past the free-throw line, and took flight.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
22 Mar. 2026
-
However, that detention request was not honored, and Jalloh was set free again, ICE told the Washington Examiner.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
22 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Currently, ratepayers can see anywhere from $20-$100 every month in these types of unnecessary surcharges alone on their bill.—
Jason Buckel,
Baltimore Sun,
17 Mar. 2026
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Still, the counterargument is that reverse location warrants gather data about anyone – opening them up to unnecessary law enforcement scrutiny.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
17 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The question box includes a space for your name, but this is optional.—
Carolyn Hax,
Washington Post,
27 Mar. 2026
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These are not optional amenities.—
Mohammed Sergie,
semafor.com,
17 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
For further-afield jaunts, the hotel has complimentary bicycles to borrow that allow guests to try locals’ preferred mode of transportation.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Mar. 2026
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Staying at an on-site hotel can be a valuable extra due to perks like early park entry and complimentary transportation.—
Megan duBois,
USA Today,
21 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gratuitous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gratuitous. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.
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