supernumerary 1 of 2

adjective

ˌsü-pər-ˈnü-mə-ˌrer-ē How to pronounce supernumerary (audio)
Definition of supernumerarynext
as in extra
being over what is needed a third, supernumerary witness to the signing of the will

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

supernumerary

2 of 2

noun

as in walk-on

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 supernumerary
Adjective
This is not the pruning of a smattering of supernumerary employees, these are entire branches of the CDC felled. — David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025 The Lucid Air launched to supernumerary acclaim, boasting nearly four-figure horsepower and over 500 miles of range. — Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 16 Aug. 2023 Roboticists in Canada, from the Université de Sherbrooke, in Quebec, have been developing supernumerary robotic limbs that are designed to explore what humans can do with three arms, or even three legs. — Evan Ackerman, IEEE Spectrum, 28 Dec. 2020
Noun
One of West Hartford’s earlier patrol officers, Martin McCue, started as a part-time supernumerary in 1929 and became a full-time officer a year later. — Don Stacom, courant.com, 12 Nov. 2020 Broken into six-hour installments spaced out over two weeks, the hallucinatory concert extravaganza is being custom tailored, with local musicians, guest artists and glittery supernumeraries brought in for the occasion. — Charles McNulty, latimes.com, 14 Mar. 2018 History will be merciless to them, but how much fun to watch them reduced to thunderstruck supernumeraries in real time. — Frank Rich, Daily Intelligencer, 13 Sep. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for supernumerary
  1. extra
  2. walk-on
  3. surplus
  4. spear-carrier
  5. excess
  6. costar
  7. spare
  8. double
Adjective
  • The carabiner attachment allows for easy access when needed, while the water-resistant construction adds an extra layer of protection against an unexpected drizzle.
    — Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Travelers should check directly with their airline, train company and local transit operator for updates, and allow extra time to reach airports and stations.
    — Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of extra
Noun
  • Kanzler, most recently the director of player development with the Chicago Cubs, considered medical school after going unrecruited out of high school, but became a two-time Rawlings Gold Glover as a walk-on outfielder at Buffalo.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Nakase, who worked her way up from Bruins walk-on to starting point guard and team captain, showed the same grit while rapidly leading the Golden State Valkyries to a WNBA title on Saturday.
    — Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of walk-on
Adjective
  • Nearby, teams are repurposing surplus electrical power gear from the retired Joint European Torus (JET) reactor, which closed in 2023.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Provincial officials are counting on the project to deliver billions of dollars in investment, highly skilled jobs and a market for surplus wind power.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of surplus
Noun
  • Simpson emerged as a spear-carrier for Social Security benefit cuts in 2010, when he was appointed the GOP co-chair of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform, established by Barack Obama as a sop to conservative deficit hawks.
    — Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of spear-carrier
Adjective
  • Gently press the dough into a soft oval shape in the greased baking pan, setting aside the mixing bowl with any excess oil.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Dresher advises applying lipstick in thin layers and blotting gently with a tissue between passes, which removes excess product while gradually building color.
    — Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of excess
Noun
  • Though Olivier escorted her costar Olivia de Havilland instead—to keep up appearances—Leigh was the belle of the ball, especially in hometown hero Margaret Mitchell’s absence.
    — Serena Turner, Vanity Fair, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Hoffman wrote that director Mike Nichols had costar Katharine Ross slap him 27 times for a scene.
    — Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of costar
Adjective
  • During the fall, take time to organize or get rid of spare trash, books, and boxes.
    — Abby Monteil, The Spruce, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Low inventories and tight spare capacity could magnify further energy price spikes.
    — Jihad Azour, semafor.com, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of spare
Noun
  • Chicago followed up a Week 7 win against defending AFC champion New England by beating defending Super Bowl champion Seattle 34-17 on the road Monday to pull off a rare double.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The facility Gills visited doubles as both an emergency room and an urgent care clinic.
    — Tara Bannow, STAT, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of double

Browse Nearby Words

supernumeraries
supernumerary
superordinate
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Cite this Entry

“Supernumerary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/supernumerary. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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