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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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
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
-
These two teams ranked 31st and 32nd in the NHL on the power play at the Olympic break, but both clubs scored with the extra man in this one.—
Corey Masisak,
Denver Post,
26 Feb. 2026
-
The Celtics held Jokic to 4-of-11 shooting in the first quarter — with one of his makes coming on a tip-your-cap one-footed 3-pointer from the corner — but gifted Denver a handful of extra possessions through turnovers and offensive rebounds.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
When that foundation is clean, balanced, and nourished, fine hair is less likely to struggle with excess oil, irritation, or breakage.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Once the greasy surface is thoroughly coated in a thin layer of oil, use a clean, soft cloth or fresh paper towel to buff the excess oil away.—
Lauren Landers,
The Spruce,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The community-at-large also benefits from donations of surplus fresh produce, Lutticken said.—
Julie Gallant,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 Feb. 2026
-
Containers will need frequent watering, so set each pot up on bricks or pot feet to allow surplus water to drain away from your plants’ roots.—
Beth Botts,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The pandemic—a period of isolation, stifled desire, and spare cash that would usually have been spent on night life—provided Fedorova with the opportunity for an introduction into fetish gear.—
Lillian Fishman,
New Yorker,
25 Feb. 2026
-
Both joined the Bulls for shootaround the morning of the deadline with at least five hours left to spare, and the medical team cleared Ivey to play that night.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Supererogatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/supererogatory. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.
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