1
as in free
not costing or charging anything
A local veterinary technician provides gratuitous services to the animal shelter twice a month.
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unnecessary
not needed by the circumstances or to accomplish an end
that violent scene was completely gratuitous and didn't need to be in the movie at all
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of gratuitous
The nudity and those medical procedures is not gratuitous.
—
Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 21 Feb. 2025
Trump might still engage in gratuitous protectionism and pick pointless diplomatic squabbles.
—Hal Brands, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
It’s got enough going on that the shoehorning of horror elements — including an eventual monster — feels gratuitous within a tricky narrative already over-compressed into an hour and a half.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 14 Feb. 2025
The horror factor, however, takes a back seat when Ally and Jay share comically gratuitous moments of rom-com schmaltz.
—Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gratuitous
Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 21 Feb. 2025
Trump might still engage in gratuitous protectionism and pick pointless diplomatic squabbles.
—Hal Brands, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
It’s got enough going on that the shoehorning of horror elements — including an eventual monster — feels gratuitous within a tricky narrative already over-compressed into an hour and a half.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 14 Feb. 2025
The horror factor, however, takes a back seat when Ally and Jay share comically gratuitous moments of rom-com schmaltz.
—Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gratuitous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gratuitous
Adjective
-
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.—
Starr Bowenbank,
People.com,
9 Apr. 2025
-
Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free newsletter to get the latest trailers, celebrity interviews, film reviews, and more.—
Wesley Stenzel,
EW.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Stay hydrated: Thirst can sometimes be mistaken for hunger, so drink enough water throughout the day to avoid unnecessary cravings.—
Johna Burdeos,
Health,
8 Apr. 2025
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Prevent unnecessary tracking by turning off background data for apps that don’t require constant internet access.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
FOXNews.com,
8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
More than 30 optional accessories are available for all models, including extra batteries, a rear cargo basket and a trailer hitch, and a travel bag.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
31 Mar. 2025
-
This is messy and extremely optional, but Tajin lovers like me will understand.—
Katlyn Moncada,
Better Homes & Gardens,
31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The first 20 guests will receive a gift card, complimentary drinks and light refreshments.—
Noah Lyons,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
1 Apr. 2025
-
The lounge offers snacks, beer and beverages, plus complimentary Wi-Fi and charging ports for your phone.—
Ella Gonzales,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
31 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gratuitous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gratuitous. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
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