unnecessarily
adverb
un·nec·es·sar·i·ly
ˌən-ˌne-sə-ˈser-ə-lē 
: not by necessity : to an unnecessary degree
unnecessarily harsh criticism
Examples of unnecessarily in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression warns that overly broad anti-doxing laws can unnecessarily cramp people's First Amendment rights by punishing those who post what is often public information.
—
Cate Charron, IndyStar, 12 Mar. 2026
Cool-season grasses grow quickly in the spring, and waiting too long to make the first cut can stress the lawn unnecessarily, says horticulture extension specialist Aaron Steil.
—Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 11 Mar. 2026
Why do lawmakers unnecessarily harm people?
—Jim Nowlan, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
Exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom are necessary for removing moisture and odors, but leaving them on after use or running them unnecessarily can suck cold air through any gap or crack in your home.
—Kamron Sanders, The Spruce, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unnecessarily
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Cate Charron, IndyStar, 12 Mar. 2026
Cool-season grasses grow quickly in the spring, and waiting too long to make the first cut can stress the lawn unnecessarily, says horticulture extension specialist Aaron Steil.
—Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 11 Mar. 2026
Why do lawmakers unnecessarily harm people?
—Jim Nowlan, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
Exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom are necessary for removing moisture and odors, but leaving them on after use or running them unnecessarily can suck cold air through any gap or crack in your home.
—Kamron Sanders, The Spruce, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unnecessarily
Cite this Entry
“Unnecessarily.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unnecessarily. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
unnecessarily
adverb
un·nec·es·sar·i·ly
ˌən-ˌnes-ə-ˈser-ə-lē
1
: not by necessity
spent money unnecessarily
2
: to an unnecessary degree
an unnecessarily harsh punishment
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