Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for unnecessary. Search instead for Unnecessary/2.
Definitions

unnecessary

[uhn-nes-uh-ser-ee] / ʌnˈnɛs əˌsɛr i /
ADJECTIVE
not required
Synonyms
STRONGEST
avoidable futile gratuitous irrelevant needless redundant superfluous unneeded useless worthless
WEAK
accidental additional beside the point casual causeless chance dispensable excess exorbitant expendable extraneous extrinsic fortuitous haphazard inessential lavish noncompulsory nonessential optional prodigal profuse random supererogatory surplus uncalled-for uncritical undesirable unessential unrequired wanton
Antonyms
STRONGEST
necessary needed valuable worthwhile
WEAK
indispensable required

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.

Such seamless technologies teach us that repair and understanding is not our role and that such proficiency and knowledge is unnecessary.

From Slate • Apr. 4, 2026

Fred Koester, 78, called the conflict a "stupid war" that was "totally unnecessary."

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

The government also called on people to "ride bicycles, carpool, use public transport, and restrict personal vehicle use when unnecessary".

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

Further, regulations are unnecessary because existing civil and criminal statutes already provide robust remedies for fraud, harm and other misconduct.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

The nose-pinch was an unnecessary precaution, because her nose never came within a foot of the water.

From "Cheaper by the Dozen" by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey

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