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
This gratuitous mill remains one of the great engine options in the sedan’s history.
—
Sean Evans, Robb Report, 12 Mar. 2026
The dialogue is overwrought, the plot contrivances are gratuitous, and the show has never been more fun.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026
And to be perfectly fair, nervous gratuitous laughter at stupid jokes is not unknown among anyone, including the press corps.
—John Shipley, Twin Cities, 24 Feb. 2026
Thank god, as the two-week break between conference title weekend and the Big Game always feels gratuitous from my vantage point.
—Chris Branch, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gratuitous
Sean Evans, Robb Report, 12 Mar. 2026
The dialogue is overwrought, the plot contrivances are gratuitous, and the show has never been more fun.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026
And to be perfectly fair, nervous gratuitous laughter at stupid jokes is not unknown among anyone, including the press corps.
—John Shipley, Twin Cities, 24 Feb. 2026
Thank god, as the two-week break between conference title weekend and the Big Game always feels gratuitous from my vantage point.
—Chris Branch, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gratuitous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gratuitous
Adjective
-
If that wasn’t enough action in the sprints, Santa Margarita’s boys emerged victorious after a confusing finish in the 200 free relay.—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
10 May 2026
-
Scotto expects notable free cash flow generation and a strong balance sheet to easily cover the capex guidance increase.—
TipRanks.com Staff,
CNBC,
10 May 2026
Adjective
-
The outfitting decision was simultaneously unnecessary and endearing.—
Ken Sugiura,
AJC.com,
12 May 2026
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Lawmakers behind the 2023 legislation argued most North Carolina counties improved enough to meet federal air-quality standards, making emissions testing unnecessary, according to previous reporting by The Charlotte Observer.—
Nora O'Neill,
Charlotte Observer,
12 May 2026
Adjective
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The other one — pushed by municipal leaders opposed to significant portions of Pritzker’s bill — would make participation by local governments in pro-density policies optional.—
Jeremy Gorner,
Chicago Tribune,
11 May 2026
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The yacht can sleep up to 12 guests across the five staterooms, but optional Pullmans create more accommodation if required.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
11 May 2026
Adjective
-
The complimentary hot breakfast and indoor pool and hot tub make the lodge perfect for families, and the property serves as a good home base for activities like fly-fishing on Whitefish Lake and backcountry adventures inside Glacier National Park.—
Dave Parfitt,
USA Today,
9 May 2026
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Adult tickets for the Saturday Starlight Adventures excursions are $139 and include a complimentary charcuterie box and a glass of Champagne or sparkling cider.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
9 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gratuitous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gratuitous. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
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