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
-
That staunch support takes on extra significance in a hyper-competitive country that often only rewards top winners and punishes those who fall short.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
-
If Boise State and SDSU both make it, that’s an extra $4 million minimum for the Mountain West.—
Mark Zeigler,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Potential Risks of Taking Too Much Vitamin D Vitamin D is fat-soluble, and excess amounts can accumulate in the body.—
Sarah Jividen,
Verywell Health,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Use a dry cloth to absorb any excess moisture.—
Rae Ford,
Martha Stewart,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
But the new rules included a revision mandating that new rooftop solar customers will no longer be credited at the retail rate of electricity when their systems generated surplus energy.—
Rob Nikolewski,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 Feb. 2026
-
But the path to income-tax repeal could actually be even simpler, by using surplus revenue to automatically reduce it over time.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Oceane Michelon passed the leaders on the course and used only one spare shot on the range, ensuring France had a solid lead.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Use the three drawers to hold everything from hair products and brushes to mouthwash and makeup, then store larger items like spare towels or bathroom cleaning products on the spacious shelves.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
For locals, these sheltered passages can also make surfacing almost unnecessary.—
Vivian Song,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
-
But their efforts are not enough to save this unnecessary sequel that smacks of a cash grab.—
Frank Scheck,
HollywoodReporter,
16 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Superfluous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/superfluous. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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