supererogatory

[soo-per-uh-rog-uh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee] / ˌsu pər əˈrɒg əˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i /

ADJECTIVE

superfluous

Synonyms

WEAK

abounding de trop dispensable excess excessive exorbitant expendable extra extravagant extreme gratuitous in excess inessential inordinate lavish leftover needless nonessential overflowing overmuch pleonastic profuse redundant remaining residuary spare superabundant superfluent supernumerary surplus unasked uncalled-for unneeded unrequired unwanted useless

ADJECTIVE

wanton

Synonyms

WEAK

capricious changeable devil-may-care extravagant fanciful fickle fitful fluctuating free frivolous gratuitous heedless hot-and-cold immoderate inconstant intemperate lavish outrageous prodigal profuse rash reckless spendthrift spoiled supererogative thriftless uncalled-for unfettered unreserved unrestrained up and down variable volatile wasteful whimsical wild

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

When I’m feeling especially Muslim, I stop by the mosque for a free plate of food, and the supererogatory Ramadan evening prayer called Taraweeh.

From Slate • Apr. 23, 2020

For this, Johnson King introduced me to the term supererogatory, which describes moral acts that are “above and beyond” the call of duty.

From Slate • Apr. 15, 2019

Culver Academy's reiterated aim is one that many an older school regards as supererogatory: to train the youth in self-control, stick-to-it-iveness, fair play, courage, self-restraint, etc. etc.

From Time Magazine Archive

Practically, the necktie is as supererogatory as those little belts and buckles that used to adorn the backs of men's trousers.

From Time Magazine Archive

It is supererogatory to assume that Shakespeare had Chapman’s phrases in his mind when alluding to superstitions which were universally acknowledged.

From A Life of William Shakespeare with portraits and facsimiles by Lee, Sidney, Sir

Vocabulary lists containing supererogatory

Power Prefix: super-

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

100 SAT words Beginning with "S"

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Babbitt

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!