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 Once considered a superfluous step, face mists have since become a more purposeful—and enjoyable—part of our skin care routines. — Jenny Jin, Glamour, 28 Aug. 2026 The downside is that these shifts are not situations where instinctual actions are superfluous. — ArsTechnica, 26 Aug. 2026 The gruesome, grisly details were superfluous, unlike an earlier obituary style in which the how sometimes seemed to predominate over the who, what, when, where, and why. — Sam Roberts, Longreads, 11 Aug. 2026 The camps destroyed the bodies and spirits of their inmates before murdering them; entire populations could be rendered superfluous through bureaucratized terror. — David Denby, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for superfluous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for superfluous
  1. extra
  2. excess
  3. surplus
  4. spare
  5. unnecessary
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
  • Earlier attempts to solve the problem have included adding surplus lithium or placing thick protective coatings on the electrode.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 22 Sep. 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
Adjective
  • By reducing unnecessary travel and manual handling, AutoStore aims to help improve speed, efficiency and workplace productivity while making better use of available warehouse space.
    — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026
  • For the United States, Gateway was an unnecessary distraction and expense as NASA goes all-in on placing a surface station near the Moon’s south pole.
    — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 7 Oct. 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 9 Oct. 2026.

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