1
as in free
not costing or charging anything
A local veterinary technician provides gratuitous services to the animal shelter twice a month.
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of gratuitous
For Sam Tanenhaus to out Bill Rusher 14 years after his death, with no supporting evidence and to no narrative purpose, is wholly gratuitous.
—
Neal B. Freeman, National Review, 13 May 2025
Though difficult and uncomfortable to watch, the scene never feels gratuitous.
—Fidel Martinez, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2025
Related Stories The result is a passably diverting curio that remains on the level of juvenile fantasy adventure, but with gratuitous elements inappropriate for younger viewers.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 2 May 2025
Pop Step is fantastic and has a great personality, but she's introduced with gratuitous shots of her rear, and her body is talked about far too much even in the first episode.
—John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gratuitous
Neal B. Freeman, National Review, 13 May 2025
Though difficult and uncomfortable to watch, the scene never feels gratuitous.
—Fidel Martinez, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2025
Related Stories The result is a passably diverting curio that remains on the level of juvenile fantasy adventure, but with gratuitous elements inappropriate for younger viewers.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 2 May 2025
Pop Step is fantastic and has a great personality, but she's introduced with gratuitous shots of her rear, and her body is talked about far too much even in the first episode.
—John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gratuitous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gratuitous
Adjective
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For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
19 June 2025
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Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.—
Kirsty Hatcher,
People.com,
19 June 2025
Adjective
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New research indicates there’s at least one strategy that works to curb an especially problematic and unnecessary form of plastic trash.—
Lauren Leffer,
Popular Science,
19 June 2025
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Williamson never lets his viewers suffer through unnecessary and long-drawn-out scenes, even when the show’s rapid speed makes specific scenarios feel overly outlandish.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
19 June 2025
Adjective
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Media partners see revenue shares ranging from 35 to 55 percent, along with optional setup fees and GDPR-compliant privacy protections.—
Sandy Carter,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
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Diners can also add on an optional wine pairing for an additional fee.—
NWA Democrat-Gazette,
Arkansas Online,
23 June 2025
Adjective
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Enjoy complimentary access to the Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club network and Priority PassTM Select membership.—
Ryley Amond,
CNBC,
24 June 2025
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Bookings in all 13 rooms and suites include complimentary Southern breakfast.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
21 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gratuitous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gratuitous. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
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