unnecessary

adjective

un·​nec·​es·​sary ˌən-ˈne-sə-ˌser-ē How to pronounce unnecessary (audio)
Synonyms of unnecessarynext
: not necessary
took unnecessary precautions

Synonyms of unnecessary

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Examples of unnecessary in a Sentence

In this city, owning a car is unnecessary. Let's not take any unnecessary risks.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Small shifts in clarity eliminate unnecessary stress, helping your team focus on doing their best work. — Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 Gentle soap is optional and usually unnecessary for regular users. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Even with an unnecessary roughness penalty in the fourth, Shelley made his reps count, making five tackles and breaking up a deep pass from Rams quarterback Ty Simpson intended for Tyler Scott. — Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026 That is true, but making costly and unnecessary wars harder to start belongs in the credit column, not the debit one. — Jennifer Kavanagh, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unnecessary

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unnecessary was in the 15th century

Rhymes for unnecessary

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Browse Nearby Words

unnecessariness
unnecessary
unnecessitated
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Cite this Entry

“Unnecessary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unnecessary. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unnecessary

adjective
un·​nec·​es·​sary ˌən-ˈnes-ə-ˌser-ē How to pronounce unnecessary (audio)
ˈən-
: not necessary
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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