supererogatory

adjective

su·​per·​erog·​a·​to·​ry ˌsü-pər-i-ˈrä-gə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce supererogatory (audio)
1
: observed or performed to an extent not enjoined or required
2

Examples of supererogatory in a Sentence

now that the dress code has been e-mailed to everyone and posted on our intranet site, a paper memo about it seems supererogatory
Recent Examples on the Web Precisely as Japan becomes a producer of Honda two-stroke engine motorcycles and other consumer distractions, Mishima is preoccupied with the glories of imperial Japan, revealed in the supererogatory sacrifices of its children. Michael Brendan Dougherty, National Review, 7 Sep. 2020 These supererogatory merits were at the disposal of the pope, who could, in effect, offer them for sale. Marilynne Robinson, New Republic, 12 Dec. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'supererogatory.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1549, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of supererogatory was in 1549

Dictionary Entries Near supererogatory

Cite this Entry

“Supererogatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/supererogatory. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.

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