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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of gratuitous
Thank god, as the two-week break between conference title weekend and the Big Game always feels gratuitous from my vantage point.
—
Chris Branch, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2026
The result in practice tends to be gratuitous spending for minimal present gains.
—James Broughel, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
According to an account of the phone call with Ailes, which Carlson later related to his former college roommate Neil Patel, Ailes began their conversation with a gratuitous insult.
—Jason Zengerle, New Yorker, 24 Jan. 2026
That’s not a gratuitous question, given King’s past.
—John Blake, CNN Money, 18 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gratuitous
Chris Branch, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2026
The result in practice tends to be gratuitous spending for minimal present gains.
—James Broughel, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
According to an account of the phone call with Ailes, which Carlson later related to his former college roommate Neil Patel, Ailes began their conversation with a gratuitous insult.
—Jason Zengerle, New Yorker, 24 Jan. 2026
That’s not a gratuitous question, given King’s past.
—John Blake, CNN Money, 18 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gratuitous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gratuitous
Adjective
-
Property-tax breaks, discounted prices on land, cheap leases, municipal bonds, free utilities—local governments will offer all these things and more to get teams to come or to stay.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Soccer journalist Andrew Wiebe will moderate a panel discussion exploring how data is transforming the sport at this free event.—
Dan Kelly
March 29,
Kansas City Star,
29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Not one boater, diver, safety expert or lifeguard asked for this unnecessary threat to our natural resources and waste of tax dollars.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
31 Mar. 2026
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This was not the first time Karnišovas took an unnecessary risk on a clearly troubled player.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Geico Auto Insurance Learn More Policy highlights Geico offers 16 discounts and a variety of optional add-ons, such as emergency roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement and mechanical breakdown insurance.—
Liz Knueven,
CNBC,
30 Mar. 2026
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Before Saturday’s game, Rice worked on his scoops with Brett Weber, the Yankees’ senior director of advance scouting and a coaching assistant, during an optional batting practice period.—
Gary Phillips,
Hartford Courant,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The lobby also doubles as a café (where guests enjoy complimentary coffee and tea all day long), so you'll be welcomed by the smell of roasting beans.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
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John’s backwards baseball cap is so lesbian (complimentary).—
Emma Specter,
Vogue,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gratuitous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gratuitous. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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