superfluous

adjective

su̇-ˈpər-flü-əs How to pronounce superfluous (audio)
Definition of superfluousnext
as in extra
being over what is needed cleared off all the superfluous stuff on his desk to make room for the new computer

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 superfluous There are no superfluous details, no complex construction—just clean lines, high-quality leather, and perfect proportions. — Selene Oliva, Glamour, 26 July 2026 Cameron relented, taking out his scissors and cutting a few superfluous scenes, but the film still wasn't quite at the magic mark. — Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 19 July 2026 Such language is not only superfluous but also perpetuates toxic stereotypes, especially when news outlets regularly omit similar ethnic identifiers for criminal groups led by individuals who belong to other ethnic backgrounds. — Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2026 This was the superfluous lie, the gratuitous lie—the lie that did not need to be told but was told only as a demonstration of power. — Literary Hub, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for superfluous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for superfluous
  1. extra
  2. excess
  3. surplus
  4. spare
  5. unnecessary
Adjective
  • Remember, Apple doesn’t want to change the production schedule ot order any extra A19 Pro chipsets, so the available supply is a function of TSMC’s fabrication process.
    — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The rivalry with Arsenal has really exploded recently, and that will add extra spice.
    — Nnamdi Onyeagwara, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of extra
Adjective
  • For makeup artists, that might mean wiping a client’s face with micellar water to remove any excess oil.
    — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The water, now free from excess nutrients, can be recycled for other purposes like cleaning machines at dairy processing facilities, watering crops, or reentering the municipal water system after further treatment.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of excess
Adjective
  • Eskom, now sitting with surplus energy, has set its sights on data centers as a new source of customers.
    — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Decades later, the government was still buying surplus cheese and storing it in vast underground caves in Missouri, Wisconsin, and Kansas, warehouses cool enough to hold the cheese for years without spoiling.
    — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of surplus
Adjective
  • According to the Brennan Center, some local election managers get spare parts for voting machines on eBay.
    — Amy Davidson Sorkin, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2026
  • While the organizers put aside some spare statuettes in case of theft, there were too few to compensate for the actual losses.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of spare
Adjective
  • Playing surefire starters in these games is unnecessary and reckless.
    — Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Again, Donato said this additional step was unnecessary and seemed geared toward discouraging users from downloading alternative stores.
    — Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of unnecessary

Browse Nearby Words

superfluity
superfluous
superfluousness
See all Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Superfluous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/superfluous. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on superfluous

Nglish: Translation of superfluous for Spanish Speakers

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