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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unnecessary
You’re drawn to treats that feel refined yet comforting, with no unnecessary fuss.
—
Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
Some scientists argue that extending the Saffir-Simpson scale is unnecessary, however.
—Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 29 Oct. 2025
Maya’s death was completely unnecessary.
—Catherine Mhloyi, Them., 29 Oct. 2025
However, many people still see nuclear as both frightening and unnecessary.
—Anna Broughel, Forbes.com, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unnecessary
Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
Some scientists argue that extending the Saffir-Simpson scale is unnecessary, however.
—Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 29 Oct. 2025
Maya’s death was completely unnecessary.
—Catherine Mhloyi, Them., 29 Oct. 2025
However, many people still see nuclear as both frightening and unnecessary.
—Anna Broughel, Forbes.com, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unnecessary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unnecessary
Adjective
-
The 40th release, however, marks the first time the brand has ever released a tequila—an extra añejo blend put together by a leading name in the agave spirits industry.—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
5 Nov. 2025
-
However, that extra year of security is likely what Bader is looking for after declining the option.—
Aaliyan Mohammed,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
This next phase of the process is optional, but both Tretyakova and Sokolowski recommend it for maximum odor reduction.—
Taylor Tobin,
Southern Living,
30 Oct. 2025
-
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,
29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The result is a cleaner house in less time—and no needless cleaning.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
25 Oct. 2025
-
That is, needless to say, a bold claim about a phenomenon that is famously hard to predict.—
Allison Morrow,
CNN Money,
18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
In a region where locals are most concerned about sky-high housing prices and budget-busting groceries, keeping up with an interstate political battle can seem irrelevant.—
Julia Prodis Sulek,
Mercury News,
26 Oct. 2025
-
The best part is that the outcome of your initial bet is irrelevant.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Animal cams are considered nonessential and will be turned off for the remainder of the shutdown.—
The NPR Network,
NPR,
24 Oct. 2025
-
To reduce the risk of heat illnesses, the military generally suspends nonessential outdoor activities on extremely hot days.—
Ames Alexander,
Miami Herald,
22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Due process would allow for potential Cinnas to demonstrate innocence and remove themselves from the unwarranted threat; without it, everyone is imperiled.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
23 Oct. 2025
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Bowman has been charged with fiduciary embezzlement and unwarranted privilege for her misuse of bail funds, and forgery and uttering for creating and submitting a false recognizance form.—
Rick Sobey,
Boston Herald,
21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Watching Joanne and Noah quite literally retrace their steps from the first finale makes all that happens in the second season feel that much more redundant.—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
23 Oct. 2025
-
Parmar also deliberately streamlines clinic notes by encouraging his providers to avoid the common habit of copying and pasting blocks of obsolete or redundant information in favor of quick updates that can be scanned easily at subsequent visits.—
Helen Ouyang,
The Atlantic,
21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Responsibility is hard, therefore, dispensable.—
Boston Herald editorial staff,
Boston Herald,
29 Oct. 2025
-
Hartenstein was invaluable for the Thunder in the conference semifinal victory over Denver, and dispensable at other points in the postseason.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
18 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unnecessary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unnecessary. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
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