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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unnecessary
The wheels are in motion and just keep rolling downhill, causing so much unnecessary destruction.
—
Chicago Tribune, 24 July 2025
The new National Energy Dominance Council will help coordinate these efforts, and the Supreme Court's ruling can cut through unnecessary permitting bureaucracy.
—Mike Dunleavy, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025
There are zero unnecessary details on this simple pair of pants from Everlane.
—Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 24 July 2025
The ending might seem pleasingly final, but watch for a predictable and quite unnecessary post-credits sting that sets up the Fantastic Four’s return with a cliffhanger and teases the return of a very familiar character.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 22 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for unnecessary
Chicago Tribune, 24 July 2025
The new National Energy Dominance Council will help coordinate these efforts, and the Supreme Court's ruling can cut through unnecessary permitting bureaucracy.
—Mike Dunleavy, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025
There are zero unnecessary details on this simple pair of pants from Everlane.
—Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 24 July 2025
The ending might seem pleasingly final, but watch for a predictable and quite unnecessary post-credits sting that sets up the Fantastic Four’s return with a cliffhanger and teases the return of a very familiar character.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 22 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for unnecessary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unnecessary
Adjective
-
The front is modest, but the oval cutout in the back gives it extra flair.—
Claire Harmeyer,
People.com,
1 Aug. 2025
-
After quality time spent in the wilderness, the return to civilization is always extra special.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
31 July 2025
Adjective
-
Some of these technologies are essential for ensuring the proper functioning of the service or website and cannot be disabled, while others are optional but serve to enhance the user experience in various ways.—
Nina Corcoran,
Pitchfork,
29 July 2025
-
Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze until ready to serve. Variations Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Add ½ cup regular or mini semisweet chocolate chips, 1 teaspoon peppermint extract and 2 to 3 drops of green food coloring (food coloring is optional).—
Robin Miller,
AZCentral.com,
29 July 2025
Adjective
-
The first episode premiered earlier today and, needless to say, it was filled with drama.—
Breanne L. Heldman,
People.com,
14 July 2025
-
Brandon Johnson, needless to say, now is Chicago mayor, having defeated Lightfoot in 2023.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
25 June 2025
Adjective
-
The idea of four years on a residential campus may feel either inaccessible or irrelevant.—
Catherine Wehlburg,
Forbes.com,
28 July 2025
-
Of course, companies routinely make $1.5 billion five-year deals to renew shows, which are unpopular and irrelevant, that’s how business works.—
James Hibberd,
HollywoodReporter,
24 July 2025
Adjective
-
While nonessential activities—such as hiring or discretionary travel—were curtailed, core operations typically continued.—
Doug Criscitello,
Forbes.com,
31 July 2025
-
The People's Union encourages consumers, where possible, to redirect purchases to small, independent businesses or to delay nonessential shopping for the duration of the boycott.—
Marni Rose McFall,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 July 2025
Adjective
-
An unwarranted threat Miami-Dade’s school district may prevent it.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
24 July 2025
-
Peralta’s head of operations, Greg Nelson, said in an interview that one of the new terms Marina did not agree with was a penalty for unwarranted use of force.—
Shomik Mukherjee,
Mercury News,
17 July 2025
Adjective
-
Flight controls are handled by a redundant fly-by-wire system tied into a triple-redundant onboard flight computer that controls the stabilization systems.—
Joe Salas
July 23,
New Atlas,
23 July 2025
-
Perhaps most importantly, provider satisfaction rates have increased, largely due to the reduction in redundant information requests and paperwork.—
Tammy Hawes,
Forbes.com,
23 July 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 5 Aug. 2025.
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