as in surplus
the state or an instance of going beyond what is usual, proper, or needed
ended up with a surfeit of volunteers who simply got in each other's way
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 surfeit
Howard Halle,
ARTnews.com,
10 Apr. 2026
The President and the explorer share a few traits, including a surfeit of self confidence.
—
Jia Tolentino,
New Yorker,
24 Mar. 2026
Magic potions get involved — not to mention a surfeit of whimsy — but the actor does his best to ground the cutesiness in something real.
—
Tim Grierson,
Vulture,
7 Mar. 2026
As the Seahawks hoisted the trophy on the field, amid the gigantism and confetti cannons and surfeit on display, a sense of perspective seemed to have been restored.
—
Sally Jenkins,
The Atlantic,
9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for surfeit
Noun
Both men marveled at the surfeit of shovels stacked by the door.
—
Howard Halle,
ARTnews.com,
10 Apr. 2026
The President and the explorer share a few traits, including a surfeit of self confidence.
—
Jia Tolentino,
New Yorker,
24 Mar. 2026
Magic potions get involved — not to mention a surfeit of whimsy — but the actor does his best to ground the cutesiness in something real.
—
Tim Grierson,
Vulture,
7 Mar. 2026
As the Seahawks hoisted the trophy on the field, amid the gigantism and confetti cannons and surfeit on display, a sense of perspective seemed to have been restored.
—
Sally Jenkins,
The Atlantic,
9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for surfeit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surfeit
Noun
-
In 2022, California recorded a nearly $100 billion surplus, saved just $10 billion in its rainy day fund and then spent the rest.
-
Those include requiring property owners to file a claim with the government for any surplus proceeds from the tax sale.
Verb
-
But investors are watching China, where revenue is still declining as local rival Anta gains ground and an inventory glut undercuts margins.
-
The walls are glutted with oil portraits, and antiques sourced from l’Isle-sur-Sorgue are the real thing; staff are dressed in somewhat cumbersome costume (medieval-style bodices and straw boaters) but ever attentive.
Noun
-
Attems Sauvignon Blanc, Venezia Giulia IGT, $20 Attems offers a slightly riper, more generous introduction to Friulian sauvignon blanc, but never veers into tropical excess.
-
Working with 5 to 6 pieces at a time, remove fish from batter, allowing excess to drip back into bowl, and add to hot oil, briefly dragging fish along surface of oil to prevent sticking.
Verb
-
The turnstones gorge themselves on those eggs before continuing their journey north.
-
But gorging on pollen alone wasn’t enough to lengthen a life.
Verb
-
All explore Sicilian heart and heritage through Canadian ingredients, evident in dishes like smart pinwheels of bucatini stuffed with sea urchin and rock crab and crisped to order.
-
Her feed is stuffed with photos of her biking, skiing, climbing, working out, often in outfits from Skinfit, from which her followers can get ten per cent off.
Verb
-
His thirst would be sated in the second half.
-
What won’t sate is Riley’s mention in April of Plan B being maximizing salary-cap space for free agency 13 months from now, during the 2027 offseason.
Cite this Entry
“Surfeit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surfeit. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
