pointlessly

Definition of pointlesslynext

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 pointlessly Don’t be pointlessly inscrutable. Kim Scott, CNBC, 22 Apr. 2026 But Senate Democrats in recent months have perfected the strategy of pointlessly running this tactic into the ground. Editorial, Boston Herald, 19 Apr. 2026 But Senate Democrats in recent months have perfected the strategy of pointlessly running this tactic into the ground. Las Vegas Review-Journal, Twin Cities, 18 Apr. 2026 Matvei Michkov, rather than sensing the developing danger, pointlessly floated around at the top of the Flyers’ defensive zone. Kevin Kurz, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026 The kitchen is also pointlessly complicated. Jason Fried, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2026 Trump should ask himself whether stirring a hornet’s nest serves any purpose other than pointlessly alienating a benevolent neighbor that is beginning to pad its insurance policy by reaching out to non-hemispheric powers. Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026 My partner’s refusal to be comforted by this institutional food struck me sometimes as pointlessly obstructive and at other times as a sign of self-respect. Rachel Cusk, New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2025 Few endeavors could signal virtue as pointlessly or gratuitously. Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 8 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pointlessly
Adverb
  • The Army has been senselessly thrown into chaos.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026
  • In 2025, funding for both domestic and global HIV care and research was suddenly and senselessly slashed.
    Michael Rose, STAT, 3 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • The marathon showed that robots can run—imperfectly, but convincingly enough.
    Ni Tao, Interesting Engineering, 20 Apr. 2026
  • They can be done imperfectly without being done disastrously.
    Leslie John, Time, 27 Feb. 2026
Adverb
  • Along similar lines, January 6 defendants and their advocates, who perceive Dhillon as insufficiently supportive of their cause, have voiced anger over her potential promotion.
    Quinta Jurecic, The Atlantic, 13 Apr. 2026
  • The crowd at an event for James Fishback, a Florida gubernatorial candidate, who, like many other young conservatives, considers MAGA insufficiently radical.
    Ian Crouch, New Yorker, 9 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • It should be noted that a tree or any other plant, for that matter, does not stand much of a chance in the long term where the soil drains inadequately.
    Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Juries in the two trials determined that Meta inadequately policed its site, putting kids in harm’s way.
    Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 29 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Pointlessly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pointlessly. Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.

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