surplus

noun

sur·​plus ˈsər-(ˌ)pləs 

1

a

: the amount that remains when use or need is satisfied

b

: an excess of receipts over disbursements

2

: the excess of a corporation's net worth over the par or stated value of its stock

Synonyms of surplus

• excess
• overflow

Examples of surplus in a Sentence

If there is any surplus, it will be divided equally.

There is a surplus of workers and not enough jobs.

Recent Examples on the Web

Connecticut has used aggressive budget caps to force average yearly surpluses topping 8% of revenues since Lamont took office in 2019, two-and-a-half times greater than the largest surplus ever achieved in two decades prior. —Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 2 June 2026

The concept is the same – connecting shoppers with grocers who have surplus food nearing its best-by date – but the difference is shoppers choose specific food items offered up by the grocer in the app to pick up in the store. —Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 1 June 2026

Speaking about a pitching surplus is dangerous, but Houston is nearing one in its rotation — even more reason to move Ullola into a relief role. —Chandler Rome, New York Times, 1 June 2026

But that average obscures a steady fall from high deficits, as the decade began, to slight surpluses in fiscal years 1998 through 2001. —Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 31 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin superplus, from Latin super- + plus more — more at plus

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing surplus

• budget surplus
• surplus to requirements
• surplus value
• trade surplus

Rhymes for surplus

• surplice

Kids Definition

surplus

noun

sur·​plus ˈsər-(ˌ)pləs 

1

: the amount more than what is required or necessary : excess

2

: an excess of income over spending

surplus adjective

Legal Definition

surplus

noun

sur·​plus ˈsər-ˌpləs 

1

a

: an amount that remains when a use or need is satisfied

b

: an excess of receipts over disbursements

c

: the value of assets after subtracting liabilities

2

: an excess of the net worth of a corporation over the par value of its capital stock compare undivided profits

— capital surplus

: all surplus other than earned surplus

— earned surplus

: the surplus that remains after deducting losses, distributions to stockholders, and transfers to capital stock accounts

— paid-in surplus

: surplus resulting from the sale of stock at amounts above par