gratuitous
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.
Gold is the color of false idolatry, the material of gratuitous wealth, a hallmark of authoritarian style, and a metaphor for the folly of prioritizing personal enrichment and glory over everything else.
From Slate • Jun. 11, 2026
What we see isn’t gratuitous government cruelty, chaos or vengeance.
From Salon • May 28, 2026
Totally lacking in substance, with a gratuitous dance break – what's not to like?
From BBC • May 8, 2026
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
It seemed not only gratuitous, but rather shameful given the circumstances.
From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt
Vocabulary lists containing gratuitous
300 Most Difficult "SAT" Words
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Grade 12, List 1
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