surplusage

noun

sur·plus·age | \ ˈsər-(ˌ)plə-sij

How to pronounce surplusage (audio)

\

Definition of surplusage

1 : surplus sense 1a

2a : excessive or nonessential matter

b : matter introduced in legal pleading which is not necessary or relevant to the case

Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about surplusage

Keep scrolling for more

Examples of surplusage in a Sentence

a mall with a surplusage of stores all selling the same lines of clothing

Recent Examples on the Web

In everyday speech, in legal texts and even in translations of Genesis, one person’s surplusage may be another person’s way of dealing with inevitable trade-offs between clarity and concision. — Sam Bray, Washington Post, "Translating Genesis: double translation," 25 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'surplusage.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about surplusage

Dictionary Entries near surplusage

surplus to requirements

Statistics for surplusage

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for surplusage

The first known use of surplusage was in the 15th century

See more words from the same century

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for surplusage

surplusage

noun

sur·plus·age | \ ˈsər-ˌplə-sij

\

Legal Definition of surplusage

: excessive or nonessential matter especially : matter contained in a pleading that is unnecessary or irrelevant

Comments on surplusage

What made you want to look up surplusage? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

WORD OF THE DAY

scavenger

one that collects or salvages junk

Test Your Vocabulary

Time Traveler Quiz: Which Word Came First?

Which came first?

snarky sarcastic

How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ

Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ