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
Relevance
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
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 gratuitous
That’s not a gratuitous question, given King’s past.
—
John Blake, CNN Money, 18 Jan. 2026
One devilish regime cracks with Maduro’s capture; gratuitous, imperial profiteering must not be allowed to empower another.
—Anthony Dominguez, Sun Sentinel, 5 Jan. 2026
The Pop-Tarts Bowl has successfully navigated a thin line between viral marketing and gratuitous gimmick in recent years, providing a sprinkle-laden counterexample to those who fear non-College Football Playoff bowl games will crumble in this new reality of professionalized college football.
—Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 27 Dec. 2025
Nothing in this book is gratuitous.
—Literary Hub, 19 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gratuitous
John Blake, CNN Money, 18 Jan. 2026
One devilish regime cracks with Maduro’s capture; gratuitous, imperial profiteering must not be allowed to empower another.
—Anthony Dominguez, Sun Sentinel, 5 Jan. 2026
The Pop-Tarts Bowl has successfully navigated a thin line between viral marketing and gratuitous gimmick in recent years, providing a sprinkle-laden counterexample to those who fear non-College Football Playoff bowl games will crumble in this new reality of professionalized college football.
—Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 27 Dec. 2025
Nothing in this book is gratuitous.
—Literary Hub, 19 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gratuitous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gratuitous
Adjective
-
The most luxurious is the Royal Suite, which has spectacular ocean views and is designed to provide a truly luxurious experience, with services that include a dedicated butler and free airport transfers.—
José Cantillo Ferrer,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Open with free admission Monday.—
The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette,
Arkansas Online,
15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
For locals, these sheltered passages can also make surfacing almost unnecessary.—
Vivian Song,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
-
But their efforts are not enough to save this unnecessary sequel that smacks of a cash grab.—
Frank Scheck,
HollywoodReporter,
16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Many cameras offer optional subscription services for cloud storage and advanced AI features.—
Trisha Easto,
USA Today,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Insecticide This method usually follows the heat treatment method and is optional.—
Rae Ford,
Martha Stewart,
16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
For families This family-friendly resort offers a Kids For All Seasons program, family movie nights, kite-making activity, and more—plus complimentary kids’ menu meals for children ages five and under.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Customers can hang out and eat; Wilcox will serve complimentary coffee.—
Bill Addison,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gratuitous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gratuitous. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
