1
as in free
not costing or charging anything
A local veterinary technician provides gratuitous services to the animal shelter twice a month.
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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
With the studly Euro-hunk Hugo Stiglitz and gratuitous nudity — Tintorera is said to be a Quentin Tarantino favorite.
—
Chris Nashawaty, EW.com, 20 June 2025
No hype men, no special guests, no gratuitous self-promotion.
—Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 7 June 2025
While no group has taken credit for the gratuitous act of destruction, according to the university's Division of Public Safety & Security (DPSS), papers found around the site outlined the apparent motive.
—Kyle Schmidbauer, FOXNews.com, 2 June 2025
Centering the action with gore and gratuitous violence up front gave it an identity that was then doubled down upon in every subsequent release .
—Diego Argüello, Rolling Stone, 22 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gratuitous
Chris Nashawaty, EW.com, 20 June 2025
No hype men, no special guests, no gratuitous self-promotion.
—Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 7 June 2025
While no group has taken credit for the gratuitous act of destruction, according to the university's Division of Public Safety & Security (DPSS), papers found around the site outlined the apparent motive.
—Kyle Schmidbauer, FOXNews.com, 2 June 2025
Centering the action with gore and gratuitous violence up front gave it an identity that was then doubled down upon in every subsequent release .
—Diego Argüello, Rolling Stone, 22 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gratuitous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gratuitous
Adjective
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Start a free trial now to start watching some of the best soccer players in the world hit the pitch.—
Kilty Cleary,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 July 2025
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Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free newsletter to get the latest trailers, celebrity interviews, film reviews, and more.—
Wesley Stenzel,
EW.com,
26 July 2025
Adjective
-
From sky-high heels and stiff business attire to bulky belts and even barefoot passengers (yes, that happens), these in-flight missteps can lead to unnecessary discomfort—or worse, a hygiene horror story.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
25 July 2025
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There are zero unnecessary details on this simple pair of pants from Everlane.—
Jake Henry Smith,
Glamour,
24 July 2025
Adjective
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Compliance isn’t optional—staying informed and ahead of any local or statewide regulations around rent control, evictions or other tenant rights is essential to operate responsibly and sustainably while avoiding costly legal issues.—
Nathan Miller,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
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If breaks are optional, are short breaks ever paid?—
Tiffani Jackson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 July 2025
Adjective
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First responders in the local area will be offered complimentary tickets to the event.—
Jessica Nicholson,
Billboard,
11 July 2025
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Guests can look forward to the brand’s signature Japanese cuisine at its two-level Nobu restaurant with a sushi bar, minimalist-yet-plush rooms with spa-like bathrooms (complete with deep-soaking tubs), and perks like complimentary cruiser bikes and breakfast at Sakura Lounge.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
11 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gratuitous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gratuitous. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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