SUPERFLUOUS Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

superfluous

adjective

su̇-ˈpər-flü-əs

Definition of superfluous

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

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 superfluous 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 The New York Liberty also have interesting young players such as Pauline Astier, Raquel Carrera and Han Xu who might be superfluous on the current roster and would be more exciting for a team such as the Sparks. — Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 30 July 2026 Some of the product’s target audience—programmers—were quick to call it superfluous. — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 27 July 2026 The author concludes that if Warsh truly believes the Fed is superfluous, his pursuit of its top job presents a paradox, sparking concern about his potential leadership. — John Tamny, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for superfluous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for superfluous

Adjective

There have been scattered instances of athletes returning to their previous school for the extra season, including two LSU women’s soccer players who are part of the case.

— Seth Emerson, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
The closure channeled extra traffic to and then backed up I-285 northbound on both sides of town from well before its two I-20 intersections.

— Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of extra

Adjective

India still relies on Russia for some weapons and spare parts, but Moscow’s capacity to balance China has diminished.

— C. Raja Mohan, Foreign Affairs, 27 Aug. 2026
Before the Medicaid cuts passed, a huge lobbying campaign to spare hospitals didn’t stop the law — and the cuts in some ways became more severe as lobbyists pressed lawmakers to reel them back.

— Daniel Payne, STAT, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of spare

Adjective

Even with an unnecessary roughness penalty in the fourth, Shelley made his reps count, making five tackles and breaking up a deep pass from Rams quarterback Ty Simpson intended for Tyler Scott.

— Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
That is true, but making costly and unnecessary wars harder to start belongs in the credit column, not the debit one.

— JENNIFER KAVANAGH, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of unnecessary

Browse Nearby Words

superfluity

superfluous

superfluousness

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Superfluous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/superfluous. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of superfluous

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

apiary

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

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

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

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes