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
Image For Wynne, the buttons are not only entirely superfluous to the communication humans and dogs already have but also potentially a distraction from their natural barks and howls, their tail wags and tucks.
—
Camille Bromley Gabra Zackman Krish Seenivasan David Mason, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2025
Setup, climax, resolution—all the elements of narrative—had become superfluous.
—Yiyun Li, Harper's Magazine, 23 Sep. 2024
Though initially intriguing, superfluous neuro devices discretely strip away our humanity.
—Audrey Botta, Hartford Courant, 30 Dec. 2024
Loose Lob Jane Birkin's bangs are iconic and render any superfluous additions entirely unnecessary—even on her wedding day.
—Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 26 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for superfluous 
Camille Bromley Gabra Zackman Krish Seenivasan David Mason, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2025
Setup, climax, resolution—all the elements of narrative—had become superfluous.
—Yiyun Li, Harper's Magazine, 23 Sep. 2024
Though initially intriguing, superfluous neuro devices discretely strip away our humanity.
—Audrey Botta, Hartford Courant, 30 Dec. 2024
Loose Lob Jane Birkin's bangs are iconic and render any superfluous additions entirely unnecessary—even on her wedding day.
—Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 26 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for superfluous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for superfluous
Adjective
-
McMillian took over in overtime, scoring six points in extra time, and his two free throws with 16.5 seconds left put the Red Raiders ahead.—
CJ Moore,
The Athletic,
2 Feb. 2025
-
In a news release, the utility board provided extra steps for the public to take in order to ensure their water is safe: Flush your plumbing: Run cold water from all faucets for at least 5 minutes.—
Kendrick Calfee,
Kansas City Star,
1 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Because avoiding excess heat and air exposure is key to keeping butter fresh, the temperature in your kitchen and how well the butter is wrapped will make a difference.—
Annie Peterson,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Jan. 2025
-
Water and fat don’t mix, so excess oil or grease (say, from starting a soup with lots of bacon fat), can find its way to the surface, creating a greasy film.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
25 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Currency not valued on a nation’s good faith and credit, or goods, or services, or even surplus hens, but the vibes of investors.—
Pat Beall,
Sun Sentinel,
24 Jan. 2025
-
This is when other heirs could make a claim for surplus funds. Schandler's Rules After auctions with Schandler rules, there is typically no surplus left over for heirs.—
Ben Wieder and,
Miami Herald,
23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Got a spare £560 for a decent view of Inter Miami vs Al Ahly?—
Tim Spiers,
The Athletic,
24 Jan. 2025
-
The bereaved participants, led by Charlotte (a scene stealing Tasha Smith), gather in a spare multimedia room to process their loss.—
Lovia Gyarkye,
The Hollywood Reporter,
24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
During a postseason matchup between the Chiefs and the Houston Texans, Mahomes found himself at the center of a controversial unnecessary roughness penalty.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
26 Jan. 2025
-
To mitigate unnecessary risk for your company, also ensure that compliance is a part of the consideration.—
Forrester,
Forbes,
24 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near superfluous
Cite this Entry
“Superfluous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/superfluous. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share