Superfluous
mediumNegative tonesoo-PER-floo-us
adjective
Definition
Unnecessary; more than is needed
Memory hook
SUPER-FLUOUS: flowing OVER and beyond what's needed — unnecessary excess.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The editor removed superfluous words.”
“Such elaborate precautions seemed superfluous.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The editor removed ______ words.”
Show answer
superfluous
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Superfluous is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "redundant" or "extraneous" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "essential".
Related GRE Words
glut
An excessive supply or amount; to supply excessively
redundant
Not or no longer needed; superfluous; repetitive
copious
Abundant in supply or quantity
extraneous
irrelevant or unrelated to the matter at hand
inundation
An overwhelming abundance; a flood
pleonastic
Using more words than necessary; redundant
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