as in excess
being over what is needed
surplus stock gets shipped to the warehouse and is eventually sold at auction
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of surplus
Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026
Establishing a Pension Acceleration Trust, for example, would direct surplus funds toward permanently reducing pension debt — lowering future obligations and freeing up resources for core priorities.
—Carol Platt Liebau, Hartford Courant, 5 Feb. 2026
Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 17 Feb. 2026
The bags come in a variety of colors and textures, and were sourced from surplus and sample leathers in Mulberry’s archives.
—Mary Wenthur, Footwear News, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for surplus
Adjective
Within 45 days of that selection, the council would hold a public meeting to adopt a resolution declaring the lots surplus land, clearing the way for development.
—Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026
Establishing a Pension Acceleration Trust, for example, would direct surplus funds toward permanently reducing pension debt — lowering future obligations and freeing up resources for core priorities.
—Carol Platt Liebau, Hartford Courant, 5 Feb. 2026
Noun
For one, the education proposal would, in effect, erase the state’s TABOR surplus, or the money collected over the revenue cap.
—Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 17 Feb. 2026
The bags come in a variety of colors and textures, and were sourced from surplus and sample leathers in Mulberry’s archives.
—Mary Wenthur, Footwear News, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for surplus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surplus
Adjective
-
When that foundation is clean, balanced, and nourished, fine hair is less likely to struggle with excess oil, irritation, or breakage.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Once the greasy surface is thoroughly coated in a thin layer of oil, use a clean, soft cloth or fresh paper towel to buff the excess oil away.—
Lauren Landers,
The Spruce,
26 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The overflows have triggered a number of recreational and shellfish harvesting advisories along the Potomac.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Kansas City has invested in sewer and overflow mitigation through programs like KC SmartSewer.—
Allison Palmer
Updated February 19,
Kansas City Star,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
These two teams ranked 31st and 32nd in the NHL on the power play at the Olympic break, but both clubs scored with the extra man in this one.—
Corey Masisak,
Denver Post,
26 Feb. 2026
-
The Celtics held Jokic to 4-of-11 shooting in the first quarter — with one of his makes coming on a tip-your-cap one-footed 3-pointer from the corner — but gifted Denver a handful of extra possessions through turnovers and offensive rebounds.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The pandemic—a period of isolation, stifled desire, and spare cash that would usually have been spent on night life—provided Fedorova with the opportunity for an introduction into fetish gear.—
Lillian Fishman,
New Yorker,
25 Feb. 2026
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Both joined the Bulls for shootaround the morning of the deadline with at least five hours left to spare, and the medical team cleared Ivey to play that night.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Surplus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surplus. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.
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