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 Saying ‘Hungary is for Hungarians’ or ‘America is for Americans’ is a tautology. — Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025 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
  • The countless repetitions give you the most beautiful art form where swans glide, fairies dance and every year a giant nutcracker appears.
    — Chrissie Leong, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026
  • Standards call for consistency, repetition and competitive stamina when the thrill of the anticipation fades.
    — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 30 July 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
  • Cramer said the circularity of the arrangement reminded him of the late 1990s, when telecom equipment makers helped customers finance major purchases to fuel growth.
    — Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 27 July 2026
  • At the time of the announcement, Cecilia Strömblad Brännsten, head of resource use and circularity at H&M, said working with Circ and Lenzing provides a better way forward as the company considers its production strategies.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 23 July 2026
Definition of circularity
Noun
  • Her legal team claims these allegations are false, and her comments are protected opinion or rhetorical hyperbole.
    — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 24 July 2026
  • A lot of that discourse, including what will be depicted as news in media stories about the negotiations, is noise and hyperbole.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of hyperbole
Noun
  • Guaranteeing continuous uptime requires extensive on-site redundancy.
    — Dr. Dick Bridy, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • That’s why the systems are built with redundancy — typically to protect against natural disasters, cut cables and the like, but now for attacks, as well.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of redundancy

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Cite this Entry

“Tautology.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tautology. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on tautology

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tautology

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