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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of gratuitous
There was nothing gratuitous about it.
—
Corey Seymour, Vogue, 9 Dec. 2025
This is not gratuitous in terms of its historical accuracy.
—Reshma Gopaldas, IndieWire, 4 Dec. 2025
Does Steve have another gratuitous shirtless scene?
—Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 28 Nov. 2025
With its tongue way up its cheek, this zero-fat survival thriller is not bulked up with gratuitous sociological mumbo jumbo or layered with hidden meanings.
—Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 13 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gratuitous
Corey Seymour, Vogue, 9 Dec. 2025
This is not gratuitous in terms of its historical accuracy.
—Reshma Gopaldas, IndieWire, 4 Dec. 2025
Does Steve have another gratuitous shirtless scene?
—Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 28 Nov. 2025
With its tongue way up its cheek, this zero-fat survival thriller is not bulked up with gratuitous sociological mumbo jumbo or layered with hidden meanings.
—Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 13 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gratuitous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gratuitous
Adjective
-
Moon’s poems suggest Buddhist ideologies and Korean temples, yet the works remain largely free of cultural-specific imagery and are, instead, naturalistic or universal.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Nov. 2025
-
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 juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.—
Escher Walcott,
PEOPLE,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
An ultra-thin stiletto heel is the perfect counterpoint to the thickness of the platform, creating a sleek, sophisticated look that elongates the legs without adding unnecessary bulk.—
Shelby Comroe,
InStyle,
10 Jan. 2026
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Cleaning Out Your Closet All Year The key to continually getting rid of unnecessary clutter in your closet is by placing a big donation box (or duffle, or trash bag) inside your closet for easy access at the start of each year or season.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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For debris handling, Beatbot highlights an ultra-large six-liter debris capacity with fine filtration, and its CES release describes an optional three-micron ultra-fine filter for tighter particle capture.—
IE Creative Studio,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Jan. 2026
-
The use of personal protective equipment is optional but encouraged for those who choose to wear it.—
Christopher Harris,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Sailing on identical, adults-only ocean ships furnished in sleek Scandinavian design, passengers enjoy luxurious, all-inclusive experiences, which cover meals, 24-hour room service, most beverages, Wi-Fi, port taxes and fees, spa access, and one complimentary excursion in every port of call.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Jan. 2026
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There's locally roasted coffee, BC wine, and a complimentary minibar.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gratuitous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gratuitous. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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