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

High-income investors can get extra bang for their buck from buying tax-exempt municipal bonds or using the selloff to harvest tax losses and reinvest in better-yielding debt, according to Jason Katz of UBS.

— Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2026
The House Democrats’ campaign arm is now plowing extra resources into the gerrymandered seat in Tennessee.

— Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of extra

Adjective

On-site solar panels capture renewable energy during daylight, while high-capacity batteries store excess power for later use.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2026
The new definition, developed by an international panel of medical experts convened by the medical journal The Lancet, requires evidence of both excess body fat and related health problems or limitations in daily activities.

— Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of excess

Adjective

Everything-to-grid systems could help absorb surplus electricity when renewable generation is high and reduce demand when the grid is under pressure.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2026
According to Weiss Ratings, an independent financial research company, surplus lines carriers now account for 7% of the California home insurance market, up from 1% in 2021.

— Paige St. John, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of surplus

Adjective

France's education ministry is in the process of urgently contacting around 3,000 spare teachers who could be sent to schools with the most pressing needs, often located in low-income areas, said Education Minister Edouard Geffray.

— Makini Brice, Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2026
As for the kits, each weighed between 121 pounds (55 kg) and 143 pounds (65 kg) and contained tools, spare parts, and other materials for specific tasks.

— Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 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 14 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of supererogatory

adjective

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