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 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
  1. extra
  2. excess
  3. surplus
  4. spare
  5. unnecessary
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
  • Everything-to-grid systems could help absorb surplus electricity when renewable generation is high and reduce demand when the grid is under pressure.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 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
  • 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
  • By reducing unnecessary travel and manual handling, AutoStore aims to help improve speed, efficiency and workplace productivity while making better use of available warehouse space.
    — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026
  • For the United States, Gateway was an unnecessary distraction and expense as NASA goes all-in on placing a surface station near the Moon’s south pole.
    — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 7 Oct. 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 14 Oct. 2026.

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