1
as in free
not costing or charging anything
A local veterinary technician provides gratuitous services to the animal shelter twice a month.
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unnecessary
not needed by the circumstances or to accomplish an end
that violent scene was completely gratuitous and didn't need to be in the movie at all
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of gratuitous
This gratuitous mill remains one of the great engine options in the sedan’s history.
—
Sean Evans, Robb Report, 12 Mar. 2026
The dialogue is overwrought, the plot contrivances are gratuitous, and the show has never been more fun.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026
And to be perfectly fair, nervous gratuitous laughter at stupid jokes is not unknown among anyone, including the press corps.
—John Shipley, Twin Cities, 24 Feb. 2026
Thank god, as the two-week break between conference title weekend and the Big Game always feels gratuitous from my vantage point.
—Chris Branch, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gratuitous
Sean Evans, Robb Report, 12 Mar. 2026
The dialogue is overwrought, the plot contrivances are gratuitous, and the show has never been more fun.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026
And to be perfectly fair, nervous gratuitous laughter at stupid jokes is not unknown among anyone, including the press corps.
—John Shipley, Twin Cities, 24 Feb. 2026
Thank god, as the two-week break between conference title weekend and the Big Game always feels gratuitous from my vantage point.
—Chris Branch, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gratuitous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gratuitous
Adjective
-
The runs were a result of the free passes there (back to back walks to begin the fourth).—
LaMond Pope,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
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But not for the hundreds of high school students from throughout Los Angeles County who attended the10th annual Prom Dress & Tux Gift-Away and Resource Fair that were offered free formal attire at the Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel on April 25.—
Staff Photographer,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Meanwhile, carbs are mostly unnecessary for cats and can cause additional health issues.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
27 Apr. 2026
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This creates a pattern of frequently replacing your air freshener, inconsistent performance, and unnecessary waste.—
Jon Stojan,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Meanwhile, Victor Hedman skated yet again Sunday morning in the team’s optional practice.—
Arpon Basu,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
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In a fireside chat with Sarah Jones, senior editor of strategic content at Sourcing Journal, Lewkowitz said the industry’s shift toward transparency is no longer optional, but a fundamental requirement for survival in a volatile climate and a stricter regulatory landscape.—
Arthur Zaczkiewicz,
Footwear News,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Amenities follow suit, with complimentary beach gear and cruiser bikes, a bocce court, and heated pools and a hot tub.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Apr. 2026
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The village has offered complimentary sand and sandbags but only a dozen or so sandbags have been filled, Pierce said.—
Mike Danahey,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gratuitous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gratuitous. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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