SUPEREROGATORY Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

supererogatory

adjective

ˌsü-pər-i-ˈrä-gə-ˌtȯr-ē

Definition of supererogatory

as in extra

being over what is needed now that the dress code has been e-mailed to everyone and posted on our intranet site, a paper memo about it seems supererogatory

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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 supererogatory These supererogatory merits were at the disposal of the pope, who could, in effect, offer them for sale. — Marilynne Robinson, New Republic, 12 Dec. 2017 Precisely as Japan becomes a producer of Honda two-stroke engine motorcycles and other consumer distractions, Mishima is preoccupied with the glories of imperial Japan, revealed in the supererogatory sacrifices of its children. — Michael Brendan Dougherty, National Review, 7 Sep. 2020

Recent Examples of Synonyms for supererogatory

Adjective

That kind of granular information is important for emergency responders in the field and planners who make decisions about calling for extra help or ordering evacuations.

— Eric Niiler, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Each extra year of training, for example, translates to $143,000 in additional annual income.

— Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 5 July 2026

Definition of extra

Adjective

With more than 2,000 excess deaths recorded over six days at the peak of the June heat, according to health authorities, France’s cultural resistance to AC has started to soften.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
To prep the tofu, squeeze out excess water then cube or crumble it.

— Malaka Gharib, NPR, 6 July 2026

Definition of excess

Adjective

According to the report, the OpenAI’s proposal seeks to replicate the Alaska Permanent Fund, a sovereign wealth fund established in 1976 to invest the state’s surplus oil revenues.

— Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
In past deficit and surplus years alike, the council has declined to direct general fund dollars toward achieving their ambitious goal of eliminating traffic deaths.

— Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2026

Definition of surplus

Adjective

Morocco consistently found the spare man when working the ball across the pitch.

— Mark Carey, New York Times, 6 July 2026
The kit also comes with thoughtful extras, including a spare bulb, cable ties, a spring clip, and a solar panel for breezy installation.

— Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 July 2026

Definition of spare

Browse Nearby Words

supereminent

supererogatory

superexpensive

See all Nearby Words

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“Supererogatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/supererogatory. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of supererogatory

adjective

Example Sentences

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