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

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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 Cameron relented, taking out his scissors and cutting a few superfluous scenes, but the film still wasn't quite at the magic mark. — Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 19 July 2026 Such language is not only superfluous but also perpetuates toxic stereotypes, especially when news outlets regularly omit similar ethnic identifiers for criminal groups led by individuals who belong to other ethnic backgrounds. — Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2026 This was the superfluous lie, the gratuitous lie—the lie that did not need to be told but was told only as a demonstration of power. — Literary Hub, 27 Apr. 2026 Mocktails arrived in steady procession, each one carefully assembled, none superfluous. — Chas Newkey-Burden, TheWeek, 24 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
  • Drivers should pay extra attention while passing through work zones and be aware of all workers and repair equipment.
    — Allison Kiehl, Chicago Tribune, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Shiho Kuwaki of Japan saved par to stay alive in a sudden-death playoff Sunday and won with a par on the second extra hole to claim the Women’s British Open over Esther Henseleit of Germany for her first major title.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of extra
Adjective
  • However, excess nitrogen can also cause crepe myrtles to produce lots of leaves and minimal flowers.
    — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Keeping furry friends with the people who love them takes excess burdens off already overcrowded shelters and thus helps prevent suffering on both a human and animal level.
    — Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of excess
Adjective
  • When the Cubs needed a corner infielder, the Dodgers shipped them a surplus major leaguer, Michael Busch, in exchange for two prospects.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The budget also banks on $285 million in surplus revenue from tax increment financing districts, special taxing zones across the city.
    — Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of surplus
Adjective
  • Technology teams build spare capacity into critical systems because operating continuously at the limit creates fragility.
    — Nirit Cohen, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Perhaps most notably, the spare dress did not have a long train and was never actually completed.
    — Emma Banks, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of spare
Adjective
  • There was no opening act, no lengthy introduction and no unnecessary buildup.
    — Jamie Graziano, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026
  • Attempting to automate everything at once can introduce unnecessary risk and reduce confidence in autonomous operations.
    — Deepak Kumar, Forbes.com, 31 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 6 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on superfluous

Nglish: Translation of superfluous for Spanish Speakers

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