unnecessarily
adverb
un·nec·es·sar·i·ly
ˌən-ˌne-sə-ˈser-ə-lē 
: not by necessity : to an unnecessary degree
unnecessarily harsh criticism
Examples of unnecessarily in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
During this process, Curry’s handcuffs slipped loose, leading the officers to again unnecessarily use the stun gun on him and reapply the handcuffs, court documents state.
—
Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
Tomar said stripping fluoride from the water in Birmingham has unnecessarily put residents at greater risk for cavities.
—Aria Bendix, NBC news, 27 Mar. 2026
The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression warns that overly broad anti-doxing laws can unnecessarily cramp people's First Amendment rights by punishing those who post what is often public information.
—Cate Charron, IndyStar, 12 Mar. 2026
Cool-season grasses grow quickly in the spring, and waiting too long to make the first cut can stress the lawn unnecessarily, says horticulture extension specialist Aaron Steil.
—Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unnecessarily
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Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
Tomar said stripping fluoride from the water in Birmingham has unnecessarily put residents at greater risk for cavities.
—Aria Bendix, NBC news, 27 Mar. 2026
The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression warns that overly broad anti-doxing laws can unnecessarily cramp people's First Amendment rights by punishing those who post what is often public information.
—Cate Charron, IndyStar, 12 Mar. 2026
Cool-season grasses grow quickly in the spring, and waiting too long to make the first cut can stress the lawn unnecessarily, says horticulture extension specialist Aaron Steil.
—Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unnecessarily
Cite this Entry
“Unnecessarily.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unnecessarily. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
unnecessarily
adverb
un·nec·es·sar·i·ly
ˌən-ˌnes-ə-ˈser-ə-lē
1
: not by necessity
spent money unnecessarily
2
: to an unnecessary degree
an unnecessarily harsh punishment
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