Surplus Definition

surplus
adjective
  1. more than is needed, desired, or required; "trying to lose excess weight"; "found some extra change lying on the dresser"; "yet another book on heraldry might be thought redundant"; "skills made redundant by technological advance"; "sleeping in the spare room"; "supernumerary ornamentation"; "it was supererogatory of her to gloat"; "delete superfluous (or unnecessary) words"; "extra ribs as well as other supernumerary internal parts"; "surplus cheese distributed to the needy"
noun
  1. a quantity much larger than is needed

"Surplus" in song lyrics

See how surplus is used in real songs:

  • "How can people still be hungry, when there's a surplus?"
    Aceyalone — Ms. AmeriKKKa
  • "how can people still be hungry, when there's a surplus?"
    Aceyalone — Ms. AmeriKKKa
  • "Scratch off '08, there's no need for the surplus"
    Almighty — The Saga Begins

Usage tips for "surplus"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "surplus" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for surplus to find words that pair well.

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