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Definitions

gratuitous

[gruh-too-i-tuhs, -tyoo-] / grəˈtu ɪ təs, -ˈtyu- /
ADJECTIVE
free
Synonyms
STRONGEST
spontaneous
WEAK
chargeless complimentary costless for nothing gratis unasked-for unpaid voluntary willing
Antonyms
WEAK
costly expensive reasonable
ADJECTIVE
not necessary
Synonyms
STRONGEST
baseless groundless needless superfluous unfounded unjustified unprovoked unwarranted wanton
WEAK
assumed bottomless causeless indefensible inessential reasonless supererogatory uncalled-for unessential unmerited unsupportable
Antonyms
STRONGEST
called-for grounded justified necessary needed proven warranted
WEAK
deserved

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.

Banerjee also criticised what he called an excess of "gratuitous violence", arguing that "it is social media hype that is deciding the film's fate."

From Barron's • Jan. 25, 2026

The weeks after Kirk was shot were marked by gratuitous consecrations of the man’s virtue.

From Slate • Dec. 22, 2025

I didn’t ask it to, but didn’t mind this gratuitous edit.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 30, 2025

Wilson's commitment to honesty - sometimes shocking, but never gratuitous - remains intact in Picture Imperfect.

From BBC • Aug. 27, 2025

The praise is never phony, and the criticism never gratuitous.

From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.