1 surplusage | Definition of surplusage
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surplusage

noun
sur·​plus·​age | \ ˈsÉ™r-(ËŒ)plÉ™-sij How to pronounce surplusage (audio) \

Definition of surplusage

1 : surplus sense 1a
2a : excessive or nonessential matter
b : matter introduced in legal pleading which is not necessary or relevant to the case
Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about surplusage

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Examples of surplusage in a Sentence

a mall with a surplusage of stores all selling the same lines of clothing

Recent Examples on the Web

 In everyday speech, in legal texts and even in translations of Genesis, one person’s surplusage may be another person’s way of dealing with inevitable trade-offs between clarity and concision. — Sam Bray, Washington Post, "Translating Genesis: double translation," 25 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'surplusage.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of surplusage

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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More Definitions for surplusage

surplusage

noun
sur·​plus·​age | \ ˈsÉ™r-ËŒplÉ™-sij How to pronounce surplusage (audio) \

Legal Definition of surplusage

: excessive or nonessential matter especially : matter contained in a pleading that is unnecessary or irrelevant

More from Merriam-Webster on surplusage

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for surplusage

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