as in extra
being over what is needed
cleared off all the superfluous stuff on his desk to make room for the new computer
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Recent Examples of superfluous
In 2009, when U.S. President Barack Obama came into office, nuclear weapons looked increasingly superfluous.
—
Vipin Narang, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
This is an important distinction, and more than anything a reminder of the Fed’s superfluous nature as a lender of last resort.
—John Tamny, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
History has shown time after time that once one acquires dictatorial powers, those in other government offices become superfluous.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 June 2025
That heritage is doubtless a poisoned chalice because if the film had been a shot-for-shot remake of the original it would have been branded lazy and superfluous.
—Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for superfluous
Vipin Narang, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
This is an important distinction, and more than anything a reminder of the Fed’s superfluous nature as a lender of last resort.
—John Tamny, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
History has shown time after time that once one acquires dictatorial powers, those in other government offices become superfluous.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 June 2025
That heritage is doubtless a poisoned chalice because if the film had been a shot-for-shot remake of the original it would have been branded lazy and superfluous.
—Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for superfluous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for superfluous
Adjective
-
Hopefully, the extra rest over the All-Star break will help Clark get back to full health and on the court.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 July 2025
-
The power saving mode seems to refer to the Adaptive Power Mode coming with iOS 26, something Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has previously noted, and which should provide a windfall of extra battery life for all iPhone 17 models — and even some current iPhones.—
David Phelan,
Forbes.com,
19 July 2025
Adjective
-
Transfer pieces to an airtight container or zip-top bag, squeezing out excess air.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
25 July 2025
-
Rates of acute malnutrition and excess deaths rise.—
Nurith Aizenman,
NPR,
25 July 2025
Adjective
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If scholarship requests are not received, the surplus money is given to the department to buy unbudgeted items, Stanley said.—
Mary Divine,
Twin Cities,
13 July 2025
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It was later revealed that the surplus claim was based on revenue estimates that were wrong by $165 billion over four years, leading to multibillion-dollar budget deficits.—
Dan Walters,
Mercury News,
5 June 2025
Adjective
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That means this one can be used as a storage shed and a hangout space, or even a spare garage for golf carts and riding mowers.—
Clint Davis,
People.com,
20 July 2025
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The sectional also comes with a matching ottoman—and yes, the lid lifts up, revealing hidden storage inside and doubling as spare seating, a side table, or a footrest.—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 July 2025
Adjective
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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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Simple but crucial resilience improvements — such as raising street levels to prevent flooding or installing solar panels — face cumbersome and unnecessary review.—
Richard Buery,
New York Daily News,
24 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Superfluous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/superfluous. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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