1
as in free
not costing or charging anything
A local veterinary technician provides gratuitous services to the animal shelter twice a month.
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unnecessary
not needed by the circumstances or to accomplish an end
that violent scene was completely gratuitous and didn't need to be in the movie at all
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of gratuitous
Some of these flourishes feel a touch gratuitous: milk is spilled; repeated Amelia Bedelia-esque references are made to Evie’s sister losing her marbles; and, of course, there’s the name—yes, this Eve bites into an apple.
—
Lora Kelley, New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2025
In the end, Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber had no choice but to suspend Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba for their next MLS match after neither failed to show up for the 2025 MLS All-Star Game, in accordance with a longstanding league rule meant to prevent gratuitous no-shows.
—Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
And the gratuitous insults—to NATO allies, the European Union, the BRICs, the United Nations, or the World Health Organization—continue to flow from the president.
—Margaret MacMillan, Foreign Affairs, 21 July 2025
Despite the invective and hyperbole the Guild continues to inject into the process, which have included gratuitous and nasty personal attacks, the Daily News stands ready to sit down as often as necessary and as long as necessary.
—The Daily News, New York Daily News, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for gratuitous
Lora Kelley, New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2025
In the end, Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber had no choice but to suspend Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba for their next MLS match after neither failed to show up for the 2025 MLS All-Star Game, in accordance with a longstanding league rule meant to prevent gratuitous no-shows.
—Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
And the gratuitous insults—to NATO allies, the European Union, the BRICs, the United Nations, or the World Health Organization—continue to flow from the president.
—Margaret MacMillan, Foreign Affairs, 21 July 2025
Despite the invective and hyperbole the Guild continues to inject into the process, which have included gratuitous and nasty personal attacks, the Daily News stands ready to sit down as often as necessary and as long as necessary.
—The Daily News, New York Daily News, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for gratuitous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gratuitous
Adjective
-
After the disappointing finish to his team's season, Alonso declared his intent to opt out of the second year of his contract and re-enter free agency from the Marlins' visiting clubhouse.—
Jackson Roberts,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Sep. 2025
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Here's what to knowLooking for a free mini puzzle?—
Nathan Diller,
USA Today,
29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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But while cookware was included in the original draft, it was exempted from the final text after protests from cookware companies and their employees, who argued the ban would jeopardize jobs and was unnecessary on health grounds.—
Laura Paddison,
CNN Money,
26 Sep. 2025
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For families, the villas are also pre-stocked with bulky-but-essential items like a highchair and Pack-n-Play, so there’s no need to overpack or deal with the unnecessary hassle of hauling these supplies with you.—
Skye Sherman,
Southern Living,
26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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As part of the festivities in Cooperstown, Ichiro was invited to an optional golf outing.—
Brad Lefton,
New York Times,
1 Oct. 2025
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Partnerships with platforms like Hometainment provide optional private chefs, mixologists, and wellness experts, turning a quiet night in into something memorable.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Shipping will be complimentary, but if your book isn’t in by the deadline, a credit card will be charged on file.—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
26 Sep. 2025
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The all-access pass includes access to all films, afternoon talks with filmmakers, entry to evening parties/social events and complimentary beverages at parties/happy hours.—
Brayden Garcia,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
26 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gratuitous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gratuitous. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
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