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 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
  • After spending the summer soaking in extra free time and waking up late, August is all about readjusting routines and schedules to get back into the school groove.
    — Liz Regalia, Parents, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Basabe reached on a fielder's choice, stole second and took an extra base on a throwing error by catcher Eduardo Valencia.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of extra
Adjective
  • When excess noise hits the level determined by his customers, a purple glow is emitted from a lamp.
    — Josh Slater-Williams, IndieWire, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Energy storage allows excess electricity to be stored and released later, helping balance the grid.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of excess
Adjective
  • After years on a downward slope, surplus funds are paying down a pension debt accumulated over seven decades, the state’s rainy-day fund is full, state projects are receiving support, and the state’s credit was upgraded several times since 2020.
    — Elona Vaisnys, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2026
  • The university opted for the equivalent of a yard sale, hosting two surplus sales, one around the mega outdoor hockey game against Michigan State in January and another the spring before the Blue-White football game.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of surplus
Adjective
  • The company will manufacture new-build MK19 Mod 2 air turbine pump assemblies for the submarine fleet’s spare-parts inventory.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Fortunately, most vehicles come equipped with a spare, offering peace of mind when the unexpected happens.
    — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of spare
Adjective
  • After the lower court earlier this year ordered a halt to aboveground construction, the president argued that permission from Congress to build the ballroom was unnecessary because public money was not being used to pay for it.
    — Michael Kunzelman, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Dawicki hopes the test will reduce the unnecessary use of antibiotics, and slow the current march toward antibiotic resistance that has already rendered several antibiotics ineffective.
    — Alice Park, Time, 7 Aug. 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 13 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on superfluous

Nglish: Translation of superfluous for Spanish Speakers

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