as in extra
not needed by the circumstances or to accomplish an end
that large suitcase is unnecessary—we are only going to be away for a couple of days
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 unnecessary
The attorneys general said in their petition that those restrictions are burdensome and unnecessary.
—
Aria Bendix, NBC news, 5 June 2025
However, be sure to steer away from unnecessary drama, especially on June 15.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 4 June 2025
In response, the Consumer Brands Association, a national advocacy group that represents food and beverage manufacturers, told CNN the new California bill would create an unnecessary duplicate regulatory framework.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 3 June 2025
Patrick Boel, managing director at real estate developer Roundhouse, said most of the land the company owns is in areas where the new zoning code already provides for high-density housing, large heights and no parking requirements, making any incentives unnecessary.
—Carolyn Komatsoulis, Idaho Statesman, 26 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for unnecessary
Aria Bendix, NBC news, 5 June 2025
However, be sure to steer away from unnecessary drama, especially on June 15.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 4 June 2025
In response, the Consumer Brands Association, a national advocacy group that represents food and beverage manufacturers, told CNN the new California bill would create an unnecessary duplicate regulatory framework.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 3 June 2025
Patrick Boel, managing director at real estate developer Roundhouse, said most of the land the company owns is in areas where the new zoning code already provides for high-density housing, large heights and no parking requirements, making any incentives unnecessary.
—Carolyn Komatsoulis, Idaho Statesman, 26 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for unnecessary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unnecessary
Adjective
-
The final dish is creamy, rich, and cheesy—extra cheesy even!—
Jasmine Smith,
Southern Living,
1 June 2025
-
Together the pair had celebrated by planting a Barcelona flag in the middle of the pitch, a moment and an image that has taken on extra significance since Xana’s death six years ago.—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
1 June 2025
Adjective
-
Inside the cozy cockpit, leather, burl wood, and side curtains with sliding plastic windows take the driver back many decades to a time when radios were an optional nuisance—all that mattered was the vehicle and the road.—
Robert Ross,
Robb Report,
30 May 2025
-
Place the basil leaves (and optional lemon zest) into a clean glass jar.—
Claudia Alarcón,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
Adjective
-
President Donald Trump said Sunday has criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin, accusing him of causing needless deaths with a massive assault on Ukrainian cities.—
Jana Kasperkevic,
NBC news,
26 May 2025
-
Many teens and even older persons have been impacted, resulting in needless suffering and death.—
Robert Glatter,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2025
Adjective
-
However, this elevated P/S ratio is mostly irrelevant since MSTR's valuation is fundamentally driven by its Bitcoin holdings rather than its traditional software revenue.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
-
If investors are now satisfied, the underlying legal structure is irrelevant.—
Matteo Wong,
The Atlantic,
30 May 2025
Adjective
-
With a focus on the customer (or end user, if applicable), eliminating nonessential tasks and taking time out of a process can reduce costs without sacrificing quality.—
Jim DeLoach,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
-
Next, the city must act now to impose a moratorium on nonessential helicopter flights from these heliports.—
Eric Katzman,
New York Daily News,
25 May 2025
Adjective
-
His biggest issue going into Pittsburgh last year [from Denver] was taking unwarranted sacks.—
Pat Leonard,
New York Daily News,
6 June 2025
-
But according to the National Tactical Officers Association, what happened next —agents using flash-bang grenades — was unwarranted.—
U T Editorial Board,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 June 2025
Adjective
-
Conduct an audit to address redundant, outdated, trivial and conflicting content.—
Philip Brittan,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
-
Kendall said both planes and air traffic control centers have redundant systems that serve as backups if a primary component fails.—
Judith Kohler,
Denver Post,
22 May 2025
Adjective
-
And the hierarchy must consider who else is dispensable and at what price.—
Henry Flynn,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
-
To become a machine, after all, is to become usable and, perhaps, dispensable.—
James Poniewozik,
New York Times,
14 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unnecessary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unnecessary. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share