as in excess
being over what is needed
surplus stock gets shipped to the warehouse and is eventually sold at auction
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in overflow
the state or an instance of going beyond what is usual, proper, or needed
we have a surplus of plastic knives, but we're short on forks and spoons for the picnic
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of surplus
Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 25 Apr. 2026
In 2012, Arden Hills and Ramsey County entered into a joint powers agreement, with the goal of further environmental clean-up for 427 acres of that surplus property in order to spur private development at residential standards.
—Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 24 Apr. 2026
Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 14 May 2026
Thailand is considering new policies to give rooftop solar users a bigger bang for their buck by increasing the amount of surplus energy the national grid can buy.
—ABC News, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for surplus
Adjective
The Senate Democratic leaders also noted that, based on state analysts’ revenue projections, the GOP plan would eliminate nearly all surplus funds in future years, potentially pushing state finances in deficit.
—Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 25 Apr. 2026
In 2012, Arden Hills and Ramsey County entered into a joint powers agreement, with the goal of further environmental clean-up for 427 acres of that surplus property in order to spur private development at residential standards.
—Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
Indeed, since 1961, there have only been five years in which the federal government’s budget registered a surplus and the Congressional Budget Office’s latest Monthly Budget Review revealed a $955 billion deficit over just seven months of fiscal 2026.
—Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 14 May 2026
Thailand is considering new policies to give rooftop solar users a bigger bang for their buck by increasing the amount of surplus energy the national grid can buy.
—ABC News, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for surplus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for surplus
Adjective
-
Save excess poaching liquid in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.—
Rebecca Firkser,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
14 May 2026
-
Over time, excess soap can damage the machine itself.—
Ryan Brennan
May 14,
Miami Herald,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
And the bus agency will stage buses to handle potential overflow crowds or delays on the streetcar, among other improvements through the Kansas City Area Transit Authority (KCATA) during the World Cup.—
Chris Higgins,
Kansas City Star,
16 May 2026
-
After the scan, the overflow doctor called.—
Nami Mun,
The Atlantic,
16 May 2026
Adjective
-
The spa Indoor and outdoor pools here provide extra options for entertainment, and the patio’s sunbeds see a lot of attention, especially on weekends when rates often drop here.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
14 May 2026
-
Do not bury the point under extra polish.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
Bring a flashlight with spare batteries to hike during the cool evening.—
Hali Smith,
Idaho Statesman,
13 May 2026
-
Other things flying up include flexible repair patches for sealing the space station’s hull, a replacement ultrasonic inspection tool, spare units for the station’s vibration monitoring system and parts to improve water processing and oxygen generation.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
12 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Surplus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/surplus. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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