as in unnecessary
not needed by the circumstances or to accomplish an end
needless expenditures that pushed the construction project way over budget
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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 needless
The first episode premiered earlier today and, needless to say, it was filled with drama.
—
Breanne L. Heldman, People.com, 14 July 2025
Brandon Johnson, needless to say, now is Chicago mayor, having defeated Lightfoot in 2023.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2025
Advertisement Far from marking a needless escalation, this week’s strikes degrading Iran’s nuclear capabilities represent a step closer to peace and prosperity for the U.S., the Middle East, and the world.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 22 June 2025
Those calculations, needless to share, aren't shared with Lucy's clients, but processed in some amorphous zone between her head and her heart.
—Tom Gliatto, People.com, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for needless
Breanne L. Heldman, People.com, 14 July 2025
Brandon Johnson, needless to say, now is Chicago mayor, having defeated Lightfoot in 2023.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2025
Advertisement Far from marking a needless escalation, this week’s strikes degrading Iran’s nuclear capabilities represent a step closer to peace and prosperity for the U.S., the Middle East, and the world.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 22 June 2025
Those calculations, needless to share, aren't shared with Lucy's clients, but processed in some amorphous zone between her head and her heart.
—Tom Gliatto, People.com, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for needless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for needless
unnecessary
Adjective
-
The researchers acknowledged this could lead to unnecessary anxiety and tests for some people, but pointed out that for other patients, using the AI stethoscope could detect signs of heart failure that might otherwise have been missed and still save time on referrals.—
Hannah Millington,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Aug. 2025
-
Some states have made progress by implementing strong universal recognition laws, but every state should regularly evaluate its licensing policies and reform or eliminate unnecessary burdens.—
Adam A. Millsap,
Forbes.com,
29 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Needless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/needless. Accessed 2 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share