SUPEREROGATORY Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

supererogatory

adjective

ˌsü-pər-i-ˈrä-gə-ˌtȯr-ē

Definition of supererogatory

as in extra

being over what is needed now that the dress code has been e-mailed to everyone and posted on our intranet site, a paper memo about it seems supererogatory

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 supererogatory Precisely as Japan becomes a producer of Honda two-stroke engine motorcycles and other consumer distractions, Mishima is preoccupied with the glories of imperial Japan, revealed in the supererogatory sacrifices of its children. — Michael Brendan Dougherty, National Review, 7 Sep. 2020 These supererogatory merits were at the disposal of the pope, who could, in effect, offer them for sale. — Marilynne Robinson, New Republic, 12 Dec. 2017

Recent Examples of Synonyms for supererogatory

Adjective

The sink, for example, was part of an extra-long counter along one of the walls, offering plenty of extra room to stow my skincare and travel essentials.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Oct. 2026
People don't want to go around changing their Clocks anymore and, besides, far and away, most people like having an hour of extra sunlight in the evening, rather than in the morning.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of extra

Adjective

Economists and energy business experts say the oil companies would have to store the excess diesel for a while.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026
The project is interconnected with the Southern California Edison grid, meaning excess energy may be exported as well as allowing the parks to draw energy from the project when needed.

— Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of excess

Adjective

Everything-to-grid systems could help absorb surplus electricity when renewable generation is high and reduce demand when the grid is under pressure.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2026
According to Weiss Ratings, an independent financial research company, surplus lines carriers now account for 7% of the California home insurance market, up from 1% in 2021.

— Paige St. John, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of surplus

Adjective

Rather than re-create New York, Hurwitz placed the dancers in a spare white studio, where light and shadow become something like scenery and his camera can move from overhead to eye level and back again.

— Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026
With Israeli bans on importing fuel, engine oil, and spare parts, breakdowns often become indefinite.

— Ghada Abdulfattah, Christian Science Monitor, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of spare

Browse Nearby Words

supereminent

supererogatory

superexpensive

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Supererogatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/supererogatory. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of supererogatory

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Luddite

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes