as in extra
not needed by the circumstances or to accomplish an end
that large suitcase is unnecessary—we are only going to be away for a couple of days
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unnecessary
Meanwhile, conservation advocates argue that leaving the parks open during a shutdown leaves room for unnecessary risks.
—
Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025
But backsplash tiles and floor planks that no longer match what’s in your home are simply taking up unnecessary space.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Oct. 2025
Now, with the federal government out of commission, a retroactive renewal will face unnecessary delays, according to the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA).
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 1 Oct. 2025
The robots could distinguish between important, real-time obstacles and unnecessary, outdated information using this human-like forgetting method.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unnecessary
Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025
But backsplash tiles and floor planks that no longer match what’s in your home are simply taking up unnecessary space.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Oct. 2025
Now, with the federal government out of commission, a retroactive renewal will face unnecessary delays, according to the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA).
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 1 Oct. 2025
The robots could distinguish between important, real-time obstacles and unnecessary, outdated information using this human-like forgetting method.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unnecessary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unnecessary
Adjective
-
Wembley’s finest hour (or two) came when staging the 1966 World Cup final, when England’s 4-2 triumph after extra time over West Germany spawned surely the greatest-ever line of sports commentary.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
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The Chinese also presented the movie with 12 channels of sound, meaning the surround speakers got an extra workout that added to the visceral charge of the chase sequences and shoot-outs.—
Jim Hemphill,
IndieWire,
7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Some of these technologies are essential for ensuring the proper functioning of the service or website and cannot be disabled, while others are optional but serve to enhance the user experience in various ways.—
Jazz Monroe,
Pitchfork,
8 Oct. 2025
-
However, Tesla retained core software, charging capabilities, and active safety features, keeping access to its Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system as an optional purchase.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Both sides were vulnerable on transition, making unforced errors and conceding needless free kicks.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
29 Sep. 2025
-
Trump is basically threatening a needless, massive cut to programs people rely on.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
But that’s irrelevant now — because these Phillies drew the defending champs.—
Jayson Stark,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
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Factionalism, doctrine, ground rules, justifications are, in Anderson’s film, irrelevant, meaning that French 75’s actions take place in an intellectual void.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
About 750,000 nonessential federal workers have been placed on furloughs amid the shutdown, the first closure of the government since 2019.—
Joey Garrison,
USA Today,
3 Oct. 2025
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Multiple agencies have halted nonessential services until further notice.—
Robert Birsel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
At the time, Endurance was regarded as nearly indestructible, but Tuhkuri's research suggests its reputation was unwarranted.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
7 Oct. 2025
-
Concerns about the stock market's seemingly unstoppable move higher are not completely unwarranted.—
Morgan Chittum,
CNBC,
6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
These signings are redundant for a Kings team that already has a one-dimensional defender in Joel Edmundson on the roster.—
The Athletic NHL,
New York Times,
30 Sep. 2025
-
That flexibility has made the dining room redundant.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The truth of conservatism lies elsewhere, in the unshakeable principles that the dispensable litany of professed ideals protects.—
Allan J. Lichtman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Sep. 2025
-
And the hierarchy must consider who else is dispensable and at what price.—
Henry Flynn,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unnecessary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unnecessary. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
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