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
History has shown time after time that once one acquires dictatorial powers, those in other government offices become superfluous.
—
Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 June 2025
That heritage is doubtless a poisoned chalice because if the film had been a shot-for-shot remake of the original it would have been branded lazy and superfluous.
—Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
And though some familiar causes of bloat, such as performances of each of the Best Song nominees, were absent, nature abhors a vacuum, and this year’s showrunners found plenty of other superfluous moments to include.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 3 Mar. 2025
The bulk of his Louvre paragraph—contrast that length with several hundred words detailing superfluous silk shopping—is given over to his distaste for the practice of painting the portraits of wealthy patrons.
—Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for superfluous
Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 June 2025
That heritage is doubtless a poisoned chalice because if the film had been a shot-for-shot remake of the original it would have been branded lazy and superfluous.
—Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
And though some familiar causes of bloat, such as performances of each of the Best Song nominees, were absent, nature abhors a vacuum, and this year’s showrunners found plenty of other superfluous moments to include.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 3 Mar. 2025
The bulk of his Louvre paragraph—contrast that length with several hundred words detailing superfluous silk shopping—is given over to his distaste for the practice of painting the portraits of wealthy patrons.
—Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for superfluous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for superfluous
Adjective
-
Both could conceivably take PSG to extra time and/or PKs, where anything could happen.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 July 2025
-
This foldable stool is easy to move and store for extra table space.—
Jacqueline Tempera,
People.com,
7 July 2025
Adjective
-
Under normal circumstances, the Fed remits excess profits to the Treasury.—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
11 July 2025
-
These improvements can translate directly to bottom-line results, as excess liquidity can be deployed more strategically toward growth initiatives or returned to shareholders.—
Dave Glaser,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
If scholarship requests are not received, the surplus money is given to the department to buy unbudgeted items, Stanley said.—
Mary Divine,
Twin Cities,
13 July 2025
-
It was later revealed that the surplus claim was based on revenue estimates that were wrong by $165 billion over four years, leading to multibillion-dollar budget deficits.—
Dan Walters,
Mercury News,
5 June 2025
Adjective
-
But with Guardiola on a mission to trim his squad down to a size that will not leave half a dozen spare parts every weekend, Gundogan has been one of the players whose future has been the subject of speculation.—
Jordan Campbell,
New York Times,
11 July 2025
-
Russia's aviation sector is short of spare parts and Russian Railways, the country's largest employer, is grappling with soaring interest costs as high rates - needed to curb higher inflation exacerbated by the war - take their toll.—
Gleb Stolyarov,
USA Today,
8 July 2025
Adjective
-
In plain terms, Virginia will now use AI to help cut unnecessary regulations while ensuring state rules stay clear and up to date.—
Shirleen Guerra,
The Washington Examiner,
13 July 2025
-
The new technology, called Hazard Services, will provide geographically precise alerts that could dramatically reduce unnecessary evacuations while ensuring those in genuine danger receive timely warnings.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Superfluous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/superfluous. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share