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 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 The camps destroyed the bodies and spirits of their inmates before murdering them; entire populations could be rendered superfluous through bureaucratized terror. — David Denby, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for superfluous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for superfluous

Adjective

In the same stadium where Michigan was given an extra second in a controversial win over Western Michigan, the Iowa Hawkeyes took full advantage of having one more snap with two ticks on the clock.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Sep. 2026
The suites are smaller but just as carefully done, good for couples who'd rather spend the room budget on a spa treatment or an extra round of golf.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of extra

Adjective

Doctors also discovered, and removed, excess tissue in her uterus called a uterine septum.

— Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 30 Sep. 2026
That’s why the Jmdhkk Hidden Camera Detector may be a good investment to provide a level of safety to your stay without taking up excess space in your suitcase or being difficult to use.

— Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of excess

Adjective

Earlier attempts to solve the problem have included adding surplus lithium or placing thick protective coatings on the electrode.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 22 Sep. 2026
According to Weiss Ratings, an independent financial research company, surplus lines carriers now account for 7% of the California home insurance market, up from 1% in 2021.

— Paige St. John, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of surplus

Adjective

An unremarkable meal, or a conversation that fills 10 spare minutes rarely feels consequential on its own.

— Justin Vaughn, Washington Post, 25 Sep. 2026
This Enterprise's prime directive is war rather than exploration, with a bridge crew who carry phasers as standard, and see this ship from the past as a potential source of spare parts.

— Richard Edwards, Space.com, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of spare

Adjective

Using public warnings to create concern among subscribers is an unnecessary pressure tactic.

— Michael Schneider, Variety, 1 Oct. 2026
The point is to allow young people to enter the workforce more quickly, avoid unnecessary costs, and continue accumulating skills over time.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 30 Sep. 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 2 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of superfluous

adjective

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