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 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 There are no superfluous details, no complex construction—just clean lines, high-quality leather, and perfect proportions. — Selene Oliva, Glamour, 26 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for superfluous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for superfluous

Adjective

Jones, who is from Boise, Idaho, learned about a program through his internship supervisor that connects people with extra rooms in their homes with other adults looking for a place to live.

— Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
Style them with an essential tee and their sharp, pointed Maelle pumps for an extra dose of attitude.

— Minty Mellon, Vogue, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of extra

Adjective

The best ones had multiple pockets, removable mesh pouches, and elastic loops to hold products in place and protect them from excess impact.

— Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 24 Aug. 2026
For instance, excess ions fail to enter the graphite quickly enough and form performance-degrading metallic deposits on the surface (lithium plating).

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of excess

Adjective

Unless more water is conserved, the reservoirs that have stored surplus water over the decades could shrink to the point that only the water that naturally flows into the river each year would be released downstream.

— Sarah Porter, The Conversation, 20 Aug. 2026
Critics argue such arrangements force consumers to pay for surplus electricity, although Manga said such guarantees were necessary to secure financing for capital-intensive projects.

— ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of surplus

Adjective

That’s a sentiment shared by Akshay Ruparelia, co-founder of startup Brdge, who believes the most valuable thing a sharp person can do with spare capacity is think, and that this is a resource companies should be desperate for.

— Barnaby Lashbrooke, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
The rising sophomore from Toronto, who hopes to attend medical school, started studying for his organic chemistry class during any spare moment during his job at the Hospital for Sick Children.

— Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of spare

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 27 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of superfluous

adjective

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