SURPLUS Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

surplus 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of surplus

as in excess

being over what is needed surplus stock gets shipped to the warehouse and is eventually sold at auction

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surplus

2 of 2

noun

ˈsər-(ˌ)pləs

as in overflow

the state or an instance of going beyond what is usual, proper, or needed we have a surplus of plastic knives, but we're short on forks and spoons for the picnic

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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 surplus

Adjective

Everything-to-grid systems could help absorb surplus electricity when renewable generation is high and reduce demand when the grid is under pressure. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2026 According to Weiss Ratings, an independent financial research company, surplus lines carriers now account for 7% of the California home insurance market, up from 1% in 2021. — Paige St. John, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026

Noun

Liner jackets, known for their lightweight construction and distinctive quilting, have made their way from military surplus stores into modern wardrobes and designer collections. — Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2026 That kind of anecdotal genre fatigue doesn’t establish an industry surplus — but the sentiment does suggest that even devoted horror fans sometimes need help pacing themselves. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for surplus

Recent Examples of Synonyms for surplus

Adjective

Batteries can also store excess electricity from hydropower, and New York is one of the top hydropower-producing states.

— ABC News, ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026
The central bank is unlikely to step in unless countries comply with its excess deficit procedure, which states that the general government budget deficit must not exceed 3% of GDP.

— Jenni Reid, CNBC, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of excess

Noun

The ability to dam at least some of the daily overflow of misinformation and misrepresentation is one of the reasons for Pangram’s success and adoption, but Warner said that comes at a cost.

— T.M. Brown, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2026
In August, supervisors in Pinal County, Arizona, voted down a large data center campus after so many residents turned up to object that the county opened five overflow rooms across three buildings.

— Adhum Carter Wolde-Lule, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of overflow

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

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

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

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Synonyms of surplus

adjective

noun

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