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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of unnecessary
Loose Lob Jane Birkin's bangs are iconic and render any superfluous additions entirely unnecessary—even on her wedding day.
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Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 26 Dec. 2024
But whatever point Hwang may be trying to make about the value of optimism over nihilism (or vice versa) is crushed under the weight of unnecessary and unresolved repetition.
—Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 26 Dec. 2024
Many Southern California hikers are furious, convinced the move was unnecessary.
—Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 24 Dec. 2024
Medical intervention is usually unnecessary for people or pets that ingest the plant, except for those with allergic reactions to related plants (particularly those with latex sensitivity).
—Dr. Nick Goltz, Hartford Courant, 21 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for unnecessary 
Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 26 Dec. 2024
But whatever point Hwang may be trying to make about the value of optimism over nihilism (or vice versa) is crushed under the weight of unnecessary and unresolved repetition.
—Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 26 Dec. 2024
Many Southern California hikers are furious, convinced the move was unnecessary.
—Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 24 Dec. 2024
Medical intervention is usually unnecessary for people or pets that ingest the plant, except for those with allergic reactions to related plants (particularly those with latex sensitivity).
—Dr. Nick Goltz, Hartford Courant, 21 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for unnecessary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unnecessary
Adjective
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On January 1, everyone takes a turn smashing it until there are thirteen pieces—one for each month of the year, and an extra for good luck.Gia Yetikyel, Vogue, 21 Dec. 2024
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Active Time: 10 mins Total Time: 10 mins Yield: 3 1/2 cups Lemon cream cheese frosting is a fuss-free way to add extra flavor and tang to a classic dessert topping.Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 21 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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This is optional under current law, and some Ohio school boards have rescinded religious programs like LifeWise Academy.Jessie Balmert, The Enquirer, 19 Dec. 2024
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There’s also some flexibility here: The mounting hardware is optional and the storage system can work either vertically or horizontally, depending on what would function best in your space.Alex Ronan, Architectural Digest, 18 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Even after the invasion, the Biden administration’s assistance to Ukraine was beset by hesitation, needless restrictions, and endless deliberation.Mitch McConnell, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2024
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Most of my peers think the feature, which controls which vents are open and where they’re aimed from the touch screen, is a needless complication, offering no benefit versus manual adjsutments.Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 30 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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Authority figures disproportionately influence decisions, even when their preferences are irrelevant.Shanna Apitz, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
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In the box score, the Cincinnati Bengals’ 37-27 victory against the Tennessee Titans will look like a largely irrelevant game between two teams no longer a real factor in the playoff chase (though the Bengals are holding on to the slimmest of hopes).Paul Dehner Jr., The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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If funding can’t be secured, the government shuts down, cutting off all nonessential functions.Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 20 Dec. 2024
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If Congress is unable to pass funding to keep the government running by midnight Friday, nonessential federal operations would stop working, The New York Times reported.Tori Latham, Robb Report, 20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Management believes that this steep discount is unwarranted given the robust growth opportunities experienced by its group companies, such as Canal+ Group, Havas, and Lagardère.Joe Cornell, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
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The bill would include a cost-of-living adjustment for members of Congress, which is not an entirely unwarranted provision given their pay has not changed since 2009, but sneaking it into a lame-duck bill was not necessary.The Editors, National Review, 19 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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The pilot relies on a redundant fly-by-wire system with hands-on throttle-and-stick (HOTAS) and a widescreen HMI.New Atlas, New Atlas, 11 Dec. 2024
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The channel then went through financial difficulties amid the global recession, with producers venting frustrations and a plan outlined to make 250 people redundant at the start of 2024.Max Goldbart, Deadline, 10 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Photography helped normalize lynching in the eyes of white audiences: these extrajudicial acts were captured by government officials and published without shame, as though there was no debate on who was dispensable.Emmanuel Iduma, ARTnews.com, 16 Sep. 2024
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Once useful anti-Communist strongmen became dispensable.Ian Buruma, The New Yorker, 24 June 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near unnecessary
Cite this Entry
“Unnecessary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unnecessary. Accessed 31 Dec. 2024.
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