SUPEREROGATORY Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

supererogatory

adjective

ˌsü-pər-i-ˈrä-gə-ˌtȯr-ē

Definition of supererogatory

as in extra

being over what is needed now that the dress code has been e-mailed to everyone and posted on our intranet site, a paper memo about it seems supererogatory

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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 supererogatory Precisely as Japan becomes a producer of Honda two-stroke engine motorcycles and other consumer distractions, Mishima is preoccupied with the glories of imperial Japan, revealed in the supererogatory sacrifices of its children. — Michael Brendan Dougherty, National Review, 7 Sep. 2020 These supererogatory merits were at the disposal of the pope, who could, in effect, offer them for sale. — Marilynne Robinson, New Republic, 12 Dec. 2017

Recent Examples of Synonyms for supererogatory

Adjective

Substitute Facundo Medina was in no rush to take a throw-in during extra time (as is his want), despite Yamal giving him some encouragement.

— Tim Spiers, New York Times, 20 July 2026
Despite playing with 10 men for the final few minutes of injury time and all of extra-time, the Albiceleste put up a good fight, almost enough to take the match to what would have been a coinflip penalty shootout.

— Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 20 July 2026

Definition of extra

Adjective

Meanwhile, hundreds of millions of people in the US and Europe have sweltered beneath relentless heat domes that have resulted in thousands of excess deaths in Europe alone.

— Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
Directed by Martin Scorsese and set in the late 80s and early 90s, the movie starred Leonardo DiCaprio as Jordan Belfort, an uninhibited young stockbroker who becomes enamored by the excess and ruthlessness of Wall Street.

— Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 19 July 2026

Definition of excess

Adjective

But the problem is that there’s no surplus water in the Colorado available for California.

— Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026
The utility said the settlements also allow Duke to cover costs from February’s winter storm using surplus hurricane bond funds and increase the use of federal solar tax credits to lower customer bills.

— Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 13 July 2026

Definition of surplus

Adjective

For a retiree sharing a spare room or a parent listing their college student’s bedroom, hosting can mean the difference between staying in their home and losing it.

— Nathan Blecharczyk, New York Daily News, 19 July 2026
Swatch said the gold used for the watches dates back to the same period and is derived from old Omega spare parts.

— Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 17 July 2026

Definition of spare

Browse Nearby Words

supereminent

supererogatory

superexpensive

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“Supererogatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/supererogatory. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of supererogatory

adjective

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