SURPLUS Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

surplus 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of surplus

as in excess

being over what is needed surplus stock gets shipped to the warehouse and is eventually sold at auction

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surplus

2 of 2

noun

ˈsər-(ˌ)pləs

as in overflow

the state or an instance of going beyond what is usual, proper, or needed we have a surplus of plastic knives, but we're short on forks and spoons for the picnic

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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 surplus

Adjective

Dealers will also be on watch for any further word on the Treasury’s interest in potentially investing some surplus cash in the repo market. — Greg Ritchie, Fortune, 3 Aug. 2026 Chinese officials have similarly rejected the claim, arguing that the United States has no authority to police global manufacturing by unilaterally imposing penalties on trading partners for surplus production. — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 3 Aug. 2026

Noun

The city should declare a substantial tax-increment financing surplus. — Angel Gutierrez, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026 The surplus gets exported, often at prices low enough to undercut the industrial economy in other countries. — Evan Osnos, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for surplus

Recent Examples of Synonyms for surplus

Adjective

When excess noise hits the level determined by his customers, a purple glow is emitted from a lamp.

— Josh Slater-Williams, IndieWire, 10 Aug. 2026
Energy storage allows excess electricity to be stored and released later, helping balance the grid.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of excess

Adjective

After spending the summer soaking in extra free time and waking up late, August is all about readjusting routines and schedules to get back into the school groove.

— Liz Regalia, Parents, 10 Aug. 2026
Basabe reached on a fielder's choice, stole second and took an extra base on a throwing error by catcher Eduardo Valencia.

— CBS News, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of extra

Adjective

The company will manufacture new-build MK19 Mod 2 air turbine pump assemblies for the submarine fleet’s spare-parts inventory.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 9 Aug. 2026
Fortunately, most vehicles come equipped with a spare, offering peace of mind when the unexpected happens.

— Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of spare

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“Surplus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surplus. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of surplus

adjective

noun

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