tautology

noun

Definition of tautologynext
as in repetition
a statement in which you repeat a word, idea, etc., in a way that is not necessary "A beginner who has just started" is a tautology.

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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 tautology This tautology arguably lies at the very heart of Duckworth’s book. — Meghan O’Gieblyn, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026 Sadaf spouts a tautology — faith as faith — that also holds for patriotism. — Armond White, National Review, 22 Jan. 2025 Yes, a win is a win, but tautologies aside, for the Niners, a win with Purdy playing like one of the finest quarterbacks in the NFL on Sunday would speak volumes. — Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 25 Oct. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tautology
  1. repetition
  2. verbalism
  3. repetitiveness
  4. circularity
  5. hyperbole
  6. redundancy
Noun
  • None of these incidents necessarily costs an account, but repetition can.
    — Adam Povlitz, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026
  • With Dru Smith sidelined by a calf strain sustained during training camp, Larsson had wound up taking repetitions at point guard, including during that preseason-opening victory over the Raptors.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of repetition
Noun
  • Remaining on stage with gracious verbalism, Batiste first acknowledged the nominees.
    — Allison Hazel, Essence, 9 June 2021
Definition of verbalism
Noun
  • The repetitiveness of the plot is not helped by the many montages writer-director Yandy Laurens uses as shortcuts, instead of writing scenes that show how the central relationship is developing.
    — Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 15 Dec. 2025
Definition of repetitiveness
Noun
  • The association reiterated its support for SB 707’s textile circularity goals while challenging CalRecycle’s choice of the organization tasked with implementing them.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Late last year, Fabscrap released a white paper charting its explorations of pre-consumer waste materials and making recommendations for the industry to embed circularity upstream.
    — Bella Webb, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of circularity
Noun
  • Recent events suggest Leribault's warning is far from hyperbole.
    — , CNBC, 19 Oct. 2026
  • That’s not hyperbole for Haywire, who have played more than 400 shows since forming in 2023.
    — Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of hyperbole
Noun
  • Today, the direction of travel in the region is redundancy and resilience.
    — semafor.com, semafor.com, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Similarly, on paper, Klara and the Sun is a great idea, a way for adults to explain mortality to their kids while bracing themselves for redundancy.
    — Damon Wise, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of redundancy

Browse Nearby Words

tautologous
tautology
tavern
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Cite this Entry

“Tautology.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tautology. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on tautology

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tautology

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