superfluous

adjective

su̇-ˈpər-flü-əs How to pronounce superfluous (audio)
Definition of superfluousnext
as in extra
being over what is needed cleared off all the superfluous stuff on his desk to make room for the new computer

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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 Mocktails arrived in steady procession, each one carefully assembled, none superfluous. — Chas Newkey-Burden, TheWeek, 24 Apr. 2026 There are no tchotchkes, nothing superfluous. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026 Despite the school being known for its superfluous amenities, compared to surrounding schools, Carmel High School students only have to pay $43 for each ticket. — Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 23 Apr. 2026 Some of the guest verses feel superfluous on otherwise glorious, upbeat cosmic funk. — Daniel Felsenthal, Pitchfork, 7 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for superfluous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for superfluous
  1. extra
  2. excess
  3. surplus
  4. spare
  5. unnecessary
Adjective
  • That kind of granular information is important for emergency responders in the field and planners who make decisions about calling for extra help or ordering evacuations.
    — Eric Niiler, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Each extra year of training, for example, translates to $143,000 in additional annual income.
    — Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Definition of extra
Adjective
  • The three heatwaves have seen temperature records broken in several countries across Europe and have caused thousands of excess deaths, according to estimates in France, Belgium, Britain and Spain.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 13 July 2026
  • While half of respondents cited environmental concerns, such as excess water usage and deforestation, 16% of respondents cited pollutants, including air and water contamination, among reasons for their opposition.
    — Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 13 July 2026
Definition of excess
Adjective
  • According to the report, the OpenAI’s proposal seeks to replicate the Alaska Permanent Fund, a sovereign wealth fund established in 1976 to invest the state’s surplus oil revenues.
    — Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • In past deficit and surplus years alike, the council has declined to direct general fund dollars toward achieving their ambitious goal of eliminating traffic deaths.
    — Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of surplus
Adjective
  • Morocco consistently found the spare man when working the ball across the pitch.
    — Mark Carey, New York Times, 6 July 2026
  • The kit also comes with thoughtful extras, including a spare bulb, cable ties, a spring clip, and a solar panel for breezy installation.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 July 2026
Definition of spare
Adjective
  • This efficiency not only conserves limited resources but also builds community trust by minimizing unnecessary interactions.
    — Charles "Chuck" Broadway, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2026
  • The proportions look right, with no unnecessary creases, and the active aerodynamic elements are neatly hidden within the bodywork.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 10 July 2026
Definition of unnecessary

Browse Nearby Words

superfluity
superfluous
superfluousness
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Cite this Entry

“Superfluous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/superfluous. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on superfluous

Nglish: Translation of superfluous for Spanish Speakers

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