tautology

noun

Definition of tautologynext
as in repetition
a statement in which you repeat a word, idea, etc., in a way that is not necessary "A beginner who has just started" is a tautology.

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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 tautology This tautology arguably lies at the very heart of Duckworth’s book. — Meghan O’Gieblyn, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026 Sadaf spouts a tautology — faith as faith — that also holds for patriotism. — Armond White, National Review, 22 Jan. 2025 Yes, a win is a win, but tautologies aside, for the Niners, a win with Purdy playing like one of the finest quarterbacks in the NFL on Sunday would speak volumes. — Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 25 Oct. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tautology
  1. repetition
  2. verbalism
  3. repetitiveness
  4. circularity
  5. hyperbole
  6. redundancy
Noun
  • Perform 5 to 10 repetitions of whichever variation is appropriate for you.
    — Dana Santas, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026
  • One possibly surprising tool to map out shots for the film to ensure the visual representation of this repetition and cycle was Microsoft Excel.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of repetition
Noun
  • Remaining on stage with gracious verbalism, Batiste first acknowledged the nominees.
    — Allison Hazel, Essence, 9 June 2021
Definition of verbalism
Noun
  • The repetitiveness of the plot is not helped by the many montages writer-director Yandy Laurens uses as shortcuts, instead of writing scenes that show how the central relationship is developing.
    — Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 15 Dec. 2025
Definition of repetitiveness
Noun
  • Clothing and footwear repair presents a large opportunity for circularity, but this industry faces stronger headwinds than other sustainable markets.
    — Cleo Levin, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026
  • At Kering, the nature team sits under the sustainable programs umbrella, alongside circularity and its Material Innovation Lab (MIL).
    — Bella Webb, Vogue, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of circularity
Noun
  • Recent events suggest Leribault's warning is far from hyperbole.
    — , CNBC, 19 Oct. 2026
  • That’s not hyperbole for Haywire, who have played more than 400 shows since forming in 2023.
    — Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of hyperbole
Noun
  • Staff morale is low amid the drip-drip of redundancy announcements, which follows the BBC’s workforce contracting by 10% since 2020.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Aircraft-grade redundancy includes multiple backups for electric power, computing, and connections to flaps and other control surfaces.
    — IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of redundancy

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tautologous
tautology
tavern
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Cite this Entry

“Tautology.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tautology. Accessed 26 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on tautology

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tautology

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