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 This was the superfluous lie, the gratuitous lie—the lie that did not need to be told but was told only as a demonstration of power. — Literary Hub, 27 Apr. 2026 Mocktails arrived in steady procession, each one carefully assembled, none superfluous. — Chas Newkey-Burden, TheWeek, 24 Apr. 2026 There are no tchotchkes, nothing superfluous. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026 Despite the school being known for its superfluous amenities, compared to surrounding schools, Carmel High School students only have to pay $43 for each ticket. — Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for superfluous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for superfluous

Adjective

Substitute Facundo Medina was in no rush to take a throw-in during extra time (as is his want), despite Yamal giving him some encouragement.

— Tim Spiers, New York Times, 20 July 2026
Despite playing with 10 men for the final few minutes of injury time and all of extra-time, the Albiceleste put up a good fight, almost enough to take the match to what would have been a coinflip penalty shootout.

— Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 20 July 2026

Definition of extra

Adjective

Meanwhile, hundreds of millions of people in the US and Europe have sweltered beneath relentless heat domes that have resulted in thousands of excess deaths in Europe alone.

— Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
Directed by Martin Scorsese and set in the late 80s and early 90s, the movie starred Leonardo DiCaprio as Jordan Belfort, an uninhibited young stockbroker who becomes enamored by the excess and ruthlessness of Wall Street.

— Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 19 July 2026

Definition of excess

Adjective

But the problem is that there’s no surplus water in the Colorado available for California.

— Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026
The utility said the settlements also allow Duke to cover costs from February’s winter storm using surplus hurricane bond funds and increase the use of federal solar tax credits to lower customer bills.

— Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 13 July 2026

Definition of surplus

Adjective

For a retiree sharing a spare room or a parent listing their college student’s bedroom, hosting can mean the difference between staying in their home and losing it.

— Nathan Blecharczyk, New York Daily News, 19 July 2026
Swatch said the gold used for the watches dates back to the same period and is derived from old Omega spare parts.

— Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 17 July 2026

Definition of spare

Adjective

Kennedy has publicly backed wider access to peptides, casting restrictions as unnecessary barriers that may push patients to the grey market.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 July 2026
While board member David Westbrook said a moratorium was unnecessary, many were in agreement with the crowd of concerned parents.

— Julianna Mejia July 23, Kansas City Star, 23 July 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 25 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of superfluous

adjective

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