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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of gratuitous
Centering the action with gore and gratuitous violence up front gave it an identity that was then doubled down upon in every subsequent release .
—
Diego Argüello, Rolling Stone, 22 Mar. 2025
Others complain that the second season has too much gratuitous violence and nudity.
—Erik Kain, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
At its best, often spiked by gleefully gratuitous gore, this very tall Texas tale trades in a kind of snarky absurdism likely to leave suitably jaded viewers in stitches.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 4 Mar. 2025
Even on his own terms, this rhetorical turn is gratuitous, because imagining a more measured version of Mishra’s argument is so easy.
—Franklin Foer, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gratuitous
Diego Argüello, Rolling Stone, 22 Mar. 2025
Others complain that the second season has too much gratuitous violence and nudity.
—Erik Kain, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
At its best, often spiked by gleefully gratuitous gore, this very tall Texas tale trades in a kind of snarky absurdism likely to leave suitably jaded viewers in stitches.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 4 Mar. 2025
Even on his own terms, this rhetorical turn is gratuitous, because imagining a more measured version of Mishra’s argument is so easy.
—Franklin Foer, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gratuitous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gratuitous
Adjective
-
Risk of resurgence For decades, the US and Central America have mostly been free of screwworms, a fact that is estimated to have saved US farmers $900 million every year.—
Beth Mole,
ArsTechnica,
2 May 2025
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The outdoor festival is free to attend and takes place in Tailgaters Parking near EverBank Stadium.—
Patrick Connolly,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 May 2025
Adjective
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Skip to content All Sections Opinion Commentary Opinion State lawmakers are pushing unnecessary public pension bills that would increase taxpayers’ costs and debt Maintaining the PEPRA reforms is part of the state’s best hope for fully funding public pension benefits and eliminating debt.—
Zachary Christensen,
Oc Register,
1 May 2025
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The critics would say: The post-credit scene where the goat goes to another team and immediately wins the MVP felt unnecessary.—
Sean McIndoe,
New York Times,
1 May 2025
Adjective
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The breathable fabric used on the seats makes cushions optional and gives the set a minimalist look that complements its clean silhouette.—
Clint Davis,
People.com,
3 May 2025
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Strain into a rocks glass or up into a cocktail class that’s rimmed with tajin (also optional).—
Jason O'Bryan,
Robb Report,
3 May 2025
Adjective
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Brunson was particularly complimentary of Mikal Bridges’ impact: the small forward notched 25 points and had a team-high 68.8 field goal percentage on the night.—
Julia Andersen,
CNN Money,
2 May 2025
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Guests have complimentary access to the gym and cozy lobby at sibling hotel The Hudson Whaler, located just a ten-minute walk past Hudson’s charming Warren Street galleries, boutiques, and cafes.—
Regan Stephens,
Travel + Leisure,
1 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gratuitous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gratuitous. Accessed 11 May. 2025.
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