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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of gratuitous
But with Paramount yet to open the film in Japan in France, and to use the topically gratuitous metaphor, Better Man’s monkey could still swing (on streaming services if not theatrically).
—
Chris Lee, Vulture, 16 Jan. 2025
There were some Kiefer Sherwood shenanigans, a gratuitous Tom Wilson takedown of J.T. Miller and Dubois getting an extra lick in on Hughes for good measure.
—Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
Only to spend my money on senseless, completely gratuitous experiences, without zebras or anything.
—Christian Kracht, Harper's Magazine, 2 Nov. 2024
Related Stories Movies 'The Bodyguard': THR's 1992 Review The comparison to Graffiti is not gratuitous.
—Arthur Knight, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for gratuitous 
Chris Lee, Vulture, 16 Jan. 2025
There were some Kiefer Sherwood shenanigans, a gratuitous Tom Wilson takedown of J.T. Miller and Dubois getting an extra lick in on Hughes for good measure.
—Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
Only to spend my money on senseless, completely gratuitous experiences, without zebras or anything.
—Christian Kracht, Harper's Magazine, 2 Nov. 2024
Related Stories Movies 'The Bodyguard': THR's 1992 Review The comparison to Graffiti is not gratuitous.
—Arthur Knight, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for gratuitous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gratuitous
Adjective
-
Two weeks before Donald Trump became the 47th president of the United States, his son Don Jr. paid a visit to Greenland, handing out free food and MAGA caps, and posing for photos.—
Adam Price,
The Atlantic,
7 Feb. 2025
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Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.—
Charlotte Phillipp,
People.com,
7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Critics argue that the process, which involves replacing breathable air with pure nitrogen, may cause unnecessary suffering.—
Kristan Hawkins,
Newsweek,
7 Feb. 2025
-
In the absence of the local paper, will the void be filled by the unregulated cesspool of social media where facts and truth are often unnecessary baggage?—
Contributed Content,
Twin Cities,
6 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
The newest Prestige has three generously-sized staterooms, with an optional cabin for the captain.—
Michael Verdon,
Robb Report,
11 Feb. 2025
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Other hardware includes an optional LED lighting system, a throttle, plus a controller that keeps everything coordinated.—
Ben Coxworth,
New Atlas,
9 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
The hotel has 25 winery partners, all of which offer complimentary tastings to hotel guests and can accommodate last-minute visitors who are staying at Farmhouse.—
Maya Kachroo-Levine,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Feb. 2025
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Priced at $130 per couple (excluding tax and gratuity), the meal includes a complimentary sparkling wine toast and begins with a Tabla Mixta (tortilla, manchego, Serrano ham, chorizo, walnuts, and olive), followed up with selections including croquetas de jamón, montaditos and carpaccio de salmón.—
Amy Drew Thompson,
Orlando Sentinel,
6 Feb. 2025
Articles Related to gratuitous
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Cite this Entry
“Gratuitous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gratuitous. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
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