needless

adjective

ˈnēd-ləs How to pronounce needless (audio)
Definition of needlessnext
as in unnecessary
not needed by the circumstances or to accomplish an end needless expenditures that pushed the construction project way over budget

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of needless Time and money are being lost to needless bureaucracy, and people are going hungry and losing health care as a result. — Abdullah Shihipar, STAT, 1 Sep. 2026 The trade war with Canada is needless and will take a long time to be restored. — Tom Jurkowsky, Baltimore Sun, 31 Aug. 2026 This saves power and prevents needless mechanical wear and tear. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 28 Aug. 2026 But administrative burdens are a technology of annoyance, degradation, discrimination, and needless extraction. — Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for needless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for needless
unnecessary
Adjective
  • Choosing unsalted or lightly salted varieties is a simple way to enjoy their benefits without adding unnecessary sodium.
    — Laura Solla, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Creating a secure plan for accessing that information now can prevent unnecessary complications in the future.
    — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of unnecessary

Phrases Containing needless

Browse Nearby Words

needles
needless
needless to say
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Cite this Entry

“Needless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/needless. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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