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
This gratuitous mill remains one of the great engine options in the sedan’s history.
—
Sean Evans, Robb Report, 12 Mar. 2026
The dialogue is overwrought, the plot contrivances are gratuitous, and the show has never been more fun.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026
And to be perfectly fair, nervous gratuitous laughter at stupid jokes is not unknown among anyone, including the press corps.
—John Shipley, Twin Cities, 24 Feb. 2026
Thank god, as the two-week break between conference title weekend and the Big Game always feels gratuitous from my vantage point.
—Chris Branch, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gratuitous
Sean Evans, Robb Report, 12 Mar. 2026
The dialogue is overwrought, the plot contrivances are gratuitous, and the show has never been more fun.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026
And to be perfectly fair, nervous gratuitous laughter at stupid jokes is not unknown among anyone, including the press corps.
—John Shipley, Twin Cities, 24 Feb. 2026
Thank god, as the two-week break between conference title weekend and the Big Game always feels gratuitous from my vantage point.
—Chris Branch, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gratuitous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gratuitous
Adjective
-
Smith, released before free agency, remains unsigned.—
Mike DeFabo,
New York Times,
17 May 2026
-
After your soak, head to Sant'Angelo, a car-free fishing village with boutiques, seaside cafés, and sweeping views, or unwind on nearby Maronti Beach.—
Nicky Swallow,
Travel + Leisure,
17 May 2026
Adjective
-
Smart irrigation sensors can help prevent unnecessary watering after storms.—
Erica Browne Grivas,
Better Homes & Gardens,
19 May 2026
-
Johansson and Robbins say the goal of the blood test is not to replace CT scans, which are effective but expensive and may expose people to unnecessary amounts of radiation if they are used broadly in a large population.—
Alice Park,
Time,
18 May 2026
Adjective
-
Credit insurance is typically optional, with the exception of private mortgage insurance (PMI) on a home loan.—
Liz Knueven,
CNBC,
18 May 2026
-
The study’s scope includes an optional component — triggered only if the initial assessment warrants it — that would produce a conceptual design and site plan for a potential eastern substation, including cost estimates.—
Walker Armstrong,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 May 2026
Adjective
-
There is also a fitness center with a movement studio offering multiple complimentary classes daily, including yoga and spinning, as well as some classes at an extra cost, like reformer pilates and sound baths.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 May 2026
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Comfort Suites Stuart-Hutchinson Island is a reliable chain option with spacious rooms, an outdoor pool, and complimentary breakfast each day.—
Beth Luberecki,
USA Today,
16 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gratuitous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gratuitous. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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