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
  • But repetition is not the same as reach, and communication is not complete until leaders know whether the message has actually traveled—and whether it has been understood.
    — Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • His act made use of racial and ethnic slurs, under the philosophy that taboo words lost their maiming edge with repetition.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 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
  • Usha is also piloting the use of post-consumer garment waste through take-back programs with fashion brands, though its existing circularity program primarily targets cutting waste generated by garment manufacturers.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • There's a second-order problem layered on top, which is the circularity of the deals themselves.
    — Jason Kirsch, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of circularity
Noun
  • His is one of the few publications where the tagline – The Book Experts Cannot Do Without – isn’t hyperbole.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
  • His seminal memoir, Kitchen Confidential, which rocketed him to fame at 44, is, by his own admission, peppered with myth and hyperbole.
    — Mike Miller, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of hyperbole
Noun
  • According to the release, the removal of the citation addressed a legal redundancy in the bill’s language.
    — Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • When pressed further on the potential redundancy of Allen and Downs in particular, since both have thrived in the slot, Steichen again pushed back on any issues.
    — James Boyd, New York Times, 20 Aug. 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 27 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on tautology

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tautology

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