as in extra
being over what is needed
cleared off all the superfluous stuff on his desk to make room for the new computer
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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
Some of the guest verses feel superfluous on otherwise glorious, upbeat cosmic funk.
—
Daniel Felsenthal, Pitchfork, 7 Apr. 2026
For these folks, churches are superfluous — at best.
—Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 2 Apr. 2026
The additional screen is superfluous.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2026
The Dow tumbled more than 800 points on Monday, in large part because of a Substack post from Citrini Research that laid out hypothetical scenarios for how developments in AI could disrupt certain parts of the economy, including AI agents making white-collar work superfluous.
—Auzinea Bacon, CNN Money, 28 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for superfluous
Daniel Felsenthal, Pitchfork, 7 Apr. 2026
For these folks, churches are superfluous — at best.
—Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 2 Apr. 2026
The additional screen is superfluous.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2026
The Dow tumbled more than 800 points on Monday, in large part because of a Substack post from Citrini Research that laid out hypothetical scenarios for how developments in AI could disrupt certain parts of the economy, including AI agents making white-collar work superfluous.
—Auzinea Bacon, CNN Money, 28 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for superfluous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for superfluous
Adjective
-
Take extra caution when on the road or avoid driving if possible.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
3 June 2026
-
An extra 20 grams of white meat, such as chicken or turkey, was linked to a 12% higher risk of cancer in the main body of the stomach, the researchers noted.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
3 June 2026
Adjective
-
Make a clean cut that does not cause excess damage to the stem, inviting pests or disease.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
28 May 2026
-
The Street is simply more apt to reward those spenders with the infrastructure in place to sell excess compute.—
Zev Fima,
CNBC,
28 May 2026
Adjective
-
The new map has shaved off some of that surplus support to help bolster Democratic odds in neighboring, more competitive swing districts nearer to the Central Valley.—
Chase Hunter,
Mercury News,
3 June 2026
-
In his letter, Markey said using surplus plutonium to produce energy would be significantly more expensive than diluting and disposing of it — the method the federal government was previously using to deal with the waste.—
Ella Nilsen,
CNN Money,
2 June 2026
Adjective
-
Just yesterday, the USGA rolled out a pilot phase for Rules AI, aiming to spare golfers from the endless squabbles over sprinkler-head relief and the other rulebook conundrums that inevitably arise during a round.—
Mike Dojc,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
-
Analysts today describe an institution constrained by shortages of fuel and spare parts and increasingly dependent on domestic improvisation — modifying, repurposing and cannibalizing older systems to keep them operational.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
28 May 2026
Adjective
-
Prosecutors argue the order is needed to protect the jury pool, while defense attorneys contend the request is unsupported and unnecessary.—
Darrell Smith,
Sacbee.com,
2 June 2026
-
Domingo could handle the sudden slide into horror, having also played Joe Jackson this year, but the gory resolution seemed unnecessary.—
Craig Jenkins,
Vulture,
2 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Superfluous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/superfluous. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
