supernumerary 1 of 2

adjective

ˌsü-pər-ˈnü-mə-ˌrer-ē How to pronounce supernumerary (audio)
Definition of supernumerarynext
as in extra
being over what is needed a third, supernumerary witness to the signing of the will

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

supernumerary

2 of 2

noun

as in walk-on

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Dissimilar Words

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 supernumerary
Adjective
This is not the pruning of a smattering of supernumerary employees, these are entire branches of the CDC felled. — David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025 The Lucid Air launched to supernumerary acclaim, boasting nearly four-figure horsepower and over 500 miles of range. — Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 16 Aug. 2023 Roboticists in Canada, from the Université de Sherbrooke, in Quebec, have been developing supernumerary robotic limbs that are designed to explore what humans can do with three arms, or even three legs. — Evan Ackerman, IEEE Spectrum, 28 Dec. 2020
Noun
One of West Hartford’s earlier patrol officers, Martin McCue, started as a part-time supernumerary in 1929 and became a full-time officer a year later. — Don Stacom, courant.com, 12 Nov. 2020 Broken into six-hour installments spaced out over two weeks, the hallucinatory concert extravaganza is being custom tailored, with local musicians, guest artists and glittery supernumeraries brought in for the occasion. — Charles McNulty, latimes.com, 14 Mar. 2018 History will be merciless to them, but how much fun to watch them reduced to thunderstruck supernumeraries in real time. — Frank Rich, Daily Intelligencer, 13 Sep. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for supernumerary
  1. extra
  2. walk-on
  3. surplus
  4. spear-carrier
  5. excess
  6. costar
  7. spare
  8. double
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
Noun
  • The Ducks’ offense had just 91 total yards before Thomas, a former walk-on, was replaced by Raiola.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Tommy Carr is the son of Michigan graduates, including former walk-on quarterback Jason Carr.
    — Larry Lage, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of walk-on
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
Noun
  • Simpson emerged as a spear-carrier for Social Security benefit cuts in 2010, when he was appointed the GOP co-chair of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform, established by Barack Obama as a sop to conservative deficit hawks.
    — Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of spear-carrier
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
Noun
  • The Tennessee native married her Teen Mom costar and longtime beau Taylor McKinney in October 2016.
    — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The actor, who stars alongside Kidman in Taylor Sheridan’s Lioness, recently revealed during an interview on One On One with Kris Fade how his costar encouraged him to take a chance and reach out to Sheridan about joining the cast of Landman.
    — Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of costar
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
Noun
  • Tampa jumped to an early lead after a double by Richie Palacios drove in two runs in the second inning.
    — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Reese nabbed a double double as well, with 30 points and 16 points.
    — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of double

Browse Nearby Words

supernumeraries
supernumerary
superordinate
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Cite this Entry

“Supernumerary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/supernumerary. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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