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
After sorting out the logistics of subletting my NYC apartment, tossing superfluous possessions in storage, and lining up sufficient freelance remote work, my administrative ducks were in a row.
—
Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 29 Aug. 2025
There are no superfluous back flips or one-piece glittery bodysuits or flashy theatrics.
—Britt Julious, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2025
Bieber’s indigo-wash pair is unfussy—sans distracting seams or superfluous pockets like the carpenter styles that have been so popular over the past few seasons—giving them a streamlined look that is perfectly aligned with Bieber’s minimalist Angeleno style.
—Sam Reed, Glamour, 21 Aug. 2025
Many who fear the advancement of technology also worry that with each advancement comes a loss of knowledge or skills: with calculators, learning math feels superfluous; with typing, good handwriting becomes a relic of the past; with transportation technology, bodies seem to atrophy.
—Literary Hub, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for superfluous
Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 29 Aug. 2025
There are no superfluous back flips or one-piece glittery bodysuits or flashy theatrics.
—Britt Julious, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2025
Bieber’s indigo-wash pair is unfussy—sans distracting seams or superfluous pockets like the carpenter styles that have been so popular over the past few seasons—giving them a streamlined look that is perfectly aligned with Bieber’s minimalist Angeleno style.
—Sam Reed, Glamour, 21 Aug. 2025
Many who fear the advancement of technology also worry that with each advancement comes a loss of knowledge or skills: with calculators, learning math feels superfluous; with typing, good handwriting becomes a relic of the past; with transportation technology, bodies seem to atrophy.
—Literary Hub, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for superfluous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for superfluous
Adjective
-
Wembley’s finest hour (or two) came when staging the 1966 World Cup final, when England’s 4-2 triumph after extra time over West Germany spawned surely the greatest-ever line of sports commentary.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
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The Chinese also presented the movie with 12 channels of sound, meaning the surround speakers got an extra workout that added to the visceral charge of the chase sequences and shoot-outs.—
Jim Hemphill,
IndieWire,
7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Once you’re done sucking away all that excess hair, use the detachable clipper to trim the hair without being tethered by a cord.—
Christine Persaud,
USA Today,
4 Oct. 2025
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Plus, reducing portion sizes cuts down on the excess waste that’s become a major problem in the industry.—
Jordan Valinsky,
CNN Money,
4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
To mark the opening, Chick-fil-A will donate $25,000 to the Tarrant Area Food Bank and join the company’s Shared Table program, which redistributes surplus food to local nonprofits.—
Tiffani Jackson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 Oct. 2025
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But critics worried that any surplus designation would expose the city to unwanted development that could ultimately include housing, because once the Surplus Land Act is invoked, the law requires affordable housing be prioritized on the property.—
Jeff McDonald,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
In addition to the main section of the house, there is also space to put a small office or spare bedroom, as well as a bathroom.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
6 Oct. 2025
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This player, furthest away from the ball, was spare.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Cut off the unnecessary branches — and clean up the tree.—
Zack Rosenblatt,
New York Times,
10 Oct. 2025
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Once inside cells, the nanoparticles break down, releasing lithium in effective doses without exposing the rest of the body to unnecessary risk.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Superfluous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/superfluous. Accessed 11 Oct. 2025.
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