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 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 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for supererogatory

Adjective

While Milwaukee started with its ace, Tampa Bay countered with Nick Martinez to give two-time All-Star pitchers Drew Rasmussen and Freddy Peralta an extra day of rest.

— Steve Megaree, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
In Miami-Dade, apartment renters could find themselves on the hook for an extra $291 per year to pay off their landlords’ higher property tax bills.

— Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of extra

Adjective

The system combines molten salt reactors with thermal energy storage, allowing excess heat to be stored when electricity demand is low and used to generate additional power when demand increases.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 28 Oct. 2026
Local governments across the country, saddled with debts, are also wary of spending as Beijing works to rein in local debt and excess capacity, Wang said.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of excess

Adjective

China’s surging shipments are much more than just surplus production, the difference between what comes out of Chinese factories and what can be sold domestically in a sagging economy.

— semafor.com, semafor.com, 20 Oct. 2026
Arthur Richardson founded the company in 1947 to sell surplus military vacuum tubes to the fledgling television and radio industries.

— John Lippert, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of surplus

Adjective

And spare furnishings spotlight craft—from the dining area’s custom walnut table to the stairwell’s Isamu Noguchi pendant.

— Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 22 Oct. 2026
The agreement also includes 10 years of spare parts, modification kits, and international customer orders at a rate of 156 aircraft per year, according to a news release from Lockheed Martin.

— Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of spare

Browse Nearby Words

supereminent

supererogatory

superexpensive

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“Supererogatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/supererogatory. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of supererogatory

adjective

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