SUPERFLUOUS Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

superfluous

adjective

su̇-ˈpər-flü-əs

Definition of superfluous

as in extra

being over what is needed cleared off all the superfluous stuff on his desk to make room for the new computer

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of superfluous Chinese leaders have acknowledged that the country’s statist economy leads to involution, or excessive domestic competition and superfluous production—a situation that is unlikely to change any time soon. — Chad P. Bown, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2026 Once considered a superfluous step, face mists have since become a more purposeful—and enjoyable—part of our skin care routines. — Jenny Jin, Glamour, 28 Aug. 2026 The downside is that these shifts are not situations where instinctual actions are superfluous. — ArsTechnica, 26 Aug. 2026 The gruesome, grisly details were superfluous, unlike an earlier obituary style in which the how sometimes seemed to predominate over the who, what, when, where, and why. — Sam Roberts, Longreads, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for superfluous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for superfluous

Adjective

High-income investors can get extra bang for their buck from buying tax-exempt municipal bonds or using the selloff to harvest tax losses and reinvest in better-yielding debt, according to Jason Katz of UBS.

— Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2026
The House Democrats’ campaign arm is now plowing extra resources into the gerrymandered seat in Tennessee.

— Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of extra

Adjective

On-site solar panels capture renewable energy during daylight, while high-capacity batteries store excess power for later use.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2026
The new definition, developed by an international panel of medical experts convened by the medical journal The Lancet, requires evidence of both excess body fat and related health problems or limitations in daily activities.

— Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of excess

Adjective

Arthur Richardson founded the company in 1947 to sell surplus military vacuum tubes to the fledgling television and radio industries.

— John Lippert, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2026
Fernandez agreed to join the others on maintaining the city’s tax rate if households could receive a partial refund on their garbage fees from the city’s surplus funds.

— Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of surplus

Adjective

France's education ministry is in the process of urgently contacting around 3,000 spare teachers who could be sent to schools with the most pressing needs, often located in low-income areas, said Education Minister Edouard Geffray.

— Makini Brice, Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2026
As for the kits, each weighed between 121 pounds (55 kg) and 143 pounds (65 kg) and contained tools, spare parts, and other materials for specific tasks.

— Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of spare

Adjective

However, many medical experts and public health organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reject these policies as unnecessary and ineffective.

— Emily J. C. Wong, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026
The process is intended to prevent unnecessary healthcare costs and limit unnecessary facilities.

— Eva Flowe October 14, Charlotte Observer, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of unnecessary

Browse Nearby Words

superfluity

superfluous

superfluousness

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“Superfluous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/superfluous. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of superfluous

adjective

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