surplus 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of surplusnext
as in excess
being over what is needed surplus stock gets shipped to the warehouse and is eventually sold at auction

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surplus

2 of 2

noun

ˈsər-(ˌ)pləs How to pronounce surplus (audio)
as in overflow
the state or an instance of going beyond what is usual, proper, or needed we have a surplus of plastic knives, but we're short on forks and spoons for the picnic

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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 surplus
Adjective
The goal of the Pluto project is to prove that surplus military plutonium can function as an interim fuel source for commercial electricity generation instead of remaining a permanent disposal issue. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 17 June 2026 According to the report, the OpenAI’s proposal seeks to replicate the Alaska Permanent Fund, a sovereign wealth fund established in 1976 to invest the state’s surplus oil revenues. — Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Noun
Instead, the Sharks got two defensemen who are not elite and a forward who might just be a surplus to immediate needs. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 2 July 2026 When energy demand is low and renewable energy supply is in surplus, the Nova Spin uses its electric motor to accelerate the steel rotor inside the unit. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for surplus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surplus
  1. excess
  2. overflow
  3. extra
  4. spare
Adjective
  • With more than 2,000 excess deaths recorded over six days at the peak of the June heat, according to health authorities, France’s cultural resistance to AC has started to soften.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
  • To prep the tofu, squeeze out excess water then cube or crumble it.
    — Malaka Gharib, NPR, 6 July 2026
Definition of excess
Noun
  • In addition to its regular offerings, Club Volo has been an overflow site for World Cup watch parties downtown and has watch parties planned for the July 11 quarterfinals and the July 19 final.
    — Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 2 July 2026
  • Weeks after overflows from Atlanta’s sewer tunnels contributed to the deaths of thousands of fish on the Chattahoochee River, the city’s Department of Watershed Management says its investigating another fish kill on a different river.
    — Drew Kann, AJC.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of overflow
Adjective
  • That kind of granular information is important for emergency responders in the field and planners who make decisions about calling for extra help or ordering evacuations.
    — Eric Niiler, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Each extra year of training, for example, translates to $143,000 in additional annual income.
    — Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Definition of extra
Adjective
  • Morocco consistently found the spare man when working the ball across the pitch.
    — Mark Carey, New York Times, 6 July 2026
  • The kit also comes with thoughtful extras, including a spare bulb, cable ties, a spring clip, and a solar panel for breezy installation.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 July 2026
Definition of spare

Browse Nearby Words

surpassingly
surplus
surplusage
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Cite this Entry

“Surplus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surplus. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on surplus

Nglish: Translation of surplus for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about surplus

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