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 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 The New York Liberty also have interesting young players such as Pauline Astier, Raquel Carrera and Han Xu who might be superfluous on the current roster and would be more exciting for a team such as the Sparks. — Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 30 July 2026 Some of the product’s target audience—programmers—were quick to call it superfluous. — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 27 July 2026 The author concludes that if Warsh truly believes the Fed is superfluous, his pursuit of its top job presents a paradox, sparking concern about his potential leadership. — John Tamny, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for superfluous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for superfluous
  1. extra
  2. excess
  3. surplus
  4. spare
  5. unnecessary
Adjective
  • Slovan Bratislava With an extra-time win against Celje of Slovenia last month to clinch qualification, Slovan had lost just one competitive game out of 18.
    — Nick Miller, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • The extra attention may have helped push the song to the top, but the way two programs presented Swift's appearances left some fans feeling bamboozled.
    — Bryan West, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of extra
Adjective
  • Novo Nordisk currently reuses some process water in cooling towers, where the water helps remove excess heat before eventually evaporating.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The company does, though, sell a scarf called Tulipomanie, covered in frilly blooms of an exquisiteness that seems to rebut the charge of excess hype with a wink.
    — Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of excess
Adjective
  • South Africa has seemingly overcome its electricity crisis, with the country’s power utility, Eskom, reporting a power surplus during the winter peak-demand season, but civil society groups are wary of the surplus power being sold to data centers.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Washington wants surplus countries to reduce their surpluses by redistributing income to the household sector.
    — MICHAEL PETTIS, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of surplus
Adjective
  • Critics of his efforts argue that the problem is less about people not knowing how to invest and more about them not having enough spare income to do so.
    — Fatima Hussein, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The original plan was for the rest of the Beatles to contribute, but during the three-and-a-half-hour session, the group struggled to find parts that improved upon McCartney’s spare arrangement.
    — Jordan Runtagh, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of spare
Adjective
  • His public persona runs directly counter to ESPN’s stated preference for avoiding unnecessary conflict.
    — Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The healthcare industry’s voluntary agreements appeal to voters who feel government regulation drives up costs and places unnecessary burdens on businesses, some supporters say.
    — Stephanie Armour, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 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 10 Sep. 2026.

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