surplusage

noun

ˈsər-(ˌ)plə-sij How to pronounce surplusage (audio)
Definition of surplusagenext
as in surplus
the state or an instance of going beyond what is usual, proper, or needed a mall with a surplusage of stores all selling the same lines of clothing

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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 surplusage In everyday speech, in legal texts and even in translations of Genesis, one person’s surplusage may be another person’s way of dealing with inevitable trade-offs between clarity and concision. — Sam Bray, Washington Post, 25 June 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surplusage
  1. surplus
  2. excess
Noun
  • Any business can be people-owned and operated, with surplus revenue going back to the customers and employees instead of to shareholders.
    — Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Menswear publications also began spotlighting military surplus liners as standalone jackets rather than removable insulation, and the style eventually expanded into designer collections and shopping guides.
    — Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of surplus
Noun
  • The DynaTAC quickly became an emblem of 1980s ambition and excess, a communications device that doubled as a badge of executive clout.
    — Robb Report, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Grease an 8-inch round cake pan, then line the bottom with parchment paper and flour the pan, tapping out the excess.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of excess

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surplus
surplusage
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Cite this Entry

“Surplusage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surplusage. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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