SUPERFLUOUS Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

superfluous

adjective

su̇-ˈpər-flü-əs

Definition of superfluous

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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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 superfluous Once considered a superfluous step, face mists have since become a more purposeful—and enjoyable—part of our skin care routines. — Jenny Jin, Glamour, 28 Aug. 2026 The downside is that these shifts are not situations where instinctual actions are superfluous. — ArsTechnica, 26 Aug. 2026 The gruesome, grisly details were superfluous, unlike an earlier obituary style in which the how sometimes seemed to predominate over the who, what, when, where, and why. — Sam Roberts, Longreads, 11 Aug. 2026 The camps destroyed the bodies and spirits of their inmates before murdering them; entire populations could be rendered superfluous through bureaucratized terror. — David Denby, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for superfluous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for superfluous

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

Economists and energy business experts say the oil companies would have to store the excess diesel for a while.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026
The project is interconnected with the Southern California Edison grid, meaning excess energy may be exported as well as allowing the parks to draw energy from the project when needed.

— Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 6 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

Adjective

By reducing unnecessary travel and manual handling, AutoStore aims to help improve speed, efficiency and workplace productivity while making better use of available warehouse space.

— Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026
For the United States, Gateway was an unnecessary distraction and expense as NASA goes all-in on placing a surface station near the Moon’s south pole.

— Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of unnecessary

Browse Nearby Words

superfluity

superfluous

superfluousness

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“Superfluous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/superfluous. Accessed 11 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of superfluous

adjective

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