pleonasm
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.
Note he won’t shout loudly – that’s known as a pleonasm, when more words than necessary are used.
From The Guardian • Apr. 29, 2019
The phrase 'think for one's self' is a pleonasm.
From Time Magazine Archive
![]()
"I saw it with my eyes" is a pleonasm; "all the members agreed unanimously" is tautology.
From English Synonyms and Antonyms With Notes on the Correct Use of Prepositions by Fernald, James Champlin
The most vigorous writers are liable, in unguarded moments, to lapse into verbal weakness, and so you meet with this vulgar pleonasm in Ruskin.
From Essays Æsthetical by Calvert, George H. (George Henry)
Quickly, 140, 682, 690; ful swithe, 2436, appears a pleonasm.
From The Lay of Havelok the Dane by Unknown
Vocabulary lists containing pleonasm
Rhetoric
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!
Literary Devices & Figures of Speech - Advanced
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!
Reading: Literature - Literary Devices & Figures of Speech - High School
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!