as in extra
being over what is needed
cleared off all the superfluous stuff on his desk to make room for the new computer
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Recent Examples of superfluous
Since the end of the Cold War, influential critics have been telling us that American dominance is superfluous and costly at best, destructive and dangerous at worst.
—
Robert Kagan, The Atlantic, 18 Jan. 2026
Closing off a superfluous doorway, Ashley centered the entertaining space around a custom built-in inspired by an antique library hutch, which features a wet bar and storage for everything from libations and glassware to toys.
—Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 9 Jan. 2026
The latter is superfluous since the handset can already use the main camera in concert with the outside screen.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 30 Dec. 2025
The narrative is weighed down by superfluous details.
—Rosa Lyster, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for superfluous
Robert Kagan, The Atlantic, 18 Jan. 2026
Closing off a superfluous doorway, Ashley centered the entertaining space around a custom built-in inspired by an antique library hutch, which features a wet bar and storage for everything from libations and glassware to toys.
—Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 9 Jan. 2026
The latter is superfluous since the handset can already use the main camera in concert with the outside screen.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 30 Dec. 2025
The narrative is weighed down by superfluous details.
—Rosa Lyster, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for superfluous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for superfluous
Adjective
-
For an extra crispy top, turn oven to broil, sprinkle casserole with a little grated Parmesan and broil 5 inches from heat until casserole is bubbling and golden, about 1 minute.—
Gretchen McKay,
Twin Cities,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Arrivals and departures are weather dependent so cushion your flight home with an extra day or two.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
More is not necessarily better, as excess vitamin C is excreted in urine.—
Morgan Pearson,
Verywell Health,
5 Feb. 2026
-
The parking plan requires the church to provide a shuttle bus to an overflow site to manage excess cars.—
Marie Wilson,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Within 45 days of that selection, the council would hold a public meeting to adopt a resolution declaring the lots surplus land, clearing the way for development.—
Ryan Macasero,
Mercury News,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Establishing a Pension Acceleration Trust, for example, would direct surplus funds toward permanently reducing pension debt — lowering future obligations and freeing up resources for core priorities.—
Carol Platt Liebau,
Hartford Courant,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Early motorists often carried tools and spare parts, expecting breakdowns as part of the journey.—
Bill Gourgey,
Popular Science,
5 Feb. 2026
-
With stocks of spare parts running low domestically, Orest said that former Eastern Bloc countries, such as the Czech Republic and Bulgaria, were the most obvious places to turn for help.—
Michael Holtz,
New Yorker,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The purpose of minutes is to record the corporation’s decisions, not comments or discussions, so including open forum questions or comments is unnecessary.—
Kelly G. Richardson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Feb. 2026
-
The Council should start by strengthening protections so that teaching artists can continue to serve the New Yorkers who need them without unnecessary delays.—
Kimberly Olsen,
New York Daily News,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Superfluous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/superfluous. Accessed 13 Feb. 2026.
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