SUPERFLUOUS Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

superfluous

adjective

su̇-ˈpər-flü-əs

Definition of superfluous

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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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 Moments like this are really what Housewives is supposed to be about — a genuine sisterhood with deep ties that take precedence over superfluous conflicts. — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026 Overall, our whole testing team agrees that nonstick surfaces are superfluous when applied to pans other than skillets or sauté pans. — Wilder Davies, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 Sep. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for superfluous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for superfluous

Adjective

While Milwaukee started with its ace, Tampa Bay countered with Nick Martinez to give two-time All-Star pitchers Drew Rasmussen and Freddy Peralta an extra day of rest.

— Steve Megaree, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
In Miami-Dade, apartment renters could find themselves on the hook for an extra $291 per year to pay off their landlords’ higher property tax bills.

— Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of extra

Adjective

The system combines molten salt reactors with thermal energy storage, allowing excess heat to be stored when electricity demand is low and used to generate additional power when demand increases.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 28 Oct. 2026
Local governments across the country, saddled with debts, are also wary of spending as Beijing works to rein in local debt and excess capacity, Wang said.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of excess

Adjective

China’s surging shipments are much more than just surplus production, the difference between what comes out of Chinese factories and what can be sold domestically in a sagging economy.

— semafor.com, semafor.com, 20 Oct. 2026
Arthur Richardson founded the company in 1947 to sell surplus military vacuum tubes to the fledgling television and radio industries.

— John Lippert, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of surplus

Adjective

And spare furnishings spotlight craft—from the dining area’s custom walnut table to the stairwell’s Isamu Noguchi pendant.

— Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 22 Oct. 2026
The agreement also includes 10 years of spare parts, modification kits, and international customer orders at a rate of 156 aircraft per year, according to a news release from Lockheed Martin.

— Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of spare

Adjective

Everyday expenses leave little room for extra payments For many households, making larger debt payments isn't simply a matter of eliminating unnecessary purchases.

— Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026
Cam Skattebo shared his thoughts on a controversial unnecessary roughness call against him in the New York Giants’ win over the Houston Texans on Sunday.

— Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of unnecessary

Browse Nearby Words

superfluity

superfluous

superfluousness

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“Superfluous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/superfluous. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of superfluous

adjective

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