Gratuitous
hardgruh-TOO-i-tuhs
adjective
Definition
uncalled-for; given or done without good reason
Examples
“The film was criticized for its gratuitous violence, which served no purpose.”
“Her gratuitous insult stung all the more because no one had provoked her.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Gratuitous is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "unwarranted" or "unnecessary" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "justified".
Related GRE Words
adulatory
Excessively praising or admiring; fawning
florid
excessively ornate or elaborate in style
inundate
To overwhelm with things or people to be dealt with
profligate
Recklessly extravagant or wasteful in the use of resources
surfeit
An excessive amount of something; overindulgence
unconscionable
Not right or reasonable; excessive; unscrupulous
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