redundant

adjective

re·​dun·​dant ri-ˈdən-dənt How to pronounce redundant (audio)
1
a
: exceeding what is necessary or normal : superfluous
b
: characterized by or containing an excess
specifically : using more words than necessary
c
: characterized by similarity or repetition
a group of particularly redundant brick buildings
d
chiefly British : no longer needed for a job and hence laid off
2
3
: serving as a duplicate for preventing failure of an entire system (such as a spacecraft) upon failure of a single component
redundantly adverb

Examples of redundant in a Sentence

The drone had originally been designed to go places the Blackbird could not, but it had become redundant on discovery of the fact that there was nowhere the SR-71 could not go in safety … Tom Clancy, The Cardinal of the Kremlin, 1989
Undoubtedly in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred a witness to an occurrence is someone who has seen it. Therefore, some editors have said, eyewitness is a redundant word and it should be consigned to the dustbin. Theodore M. Bernstein, Mrs. Thistlebottom's Hobgoblins, 1971
There they sat, grounded upon the ground, silent, uncomplaining, with bowed heads, a pathetic sight. And by hideous contrast, a redundant orator was making a speech to another gathering not thirty steps away … Mark Twain, A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court, 1889
He edited the paper and removed any redundant information or statements. Avoid redundant expressions in your writing. Some people say that since all adages are old, the phrase “old adage” is redundant.
Recent Examples on the Web The forest setting nonetheless feels a tad redundant — not unlike the plot itself — and Azrael could have benefited from more variety all around, although the score by Toti Gudnason (Lamb) and the Blair brothers (The Toxic Avenger) manages to keep the vibe pulsing. Jordan Mintzer, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Mar. 2024 Considering Fear Inoculum came out nearly 5 years ago, TOOL’s continued focus on this album couldn’t help but feel a bit redundant. Quentin Singer, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for redundant 

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

Word History

Etymology

Latin redundant-, redundans, present participle of redundare to overflow — more at redound

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of redundant was in 1594

Dictionary Entries Near redundant

Cite this Entry

“Redundant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/redundant. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

redundant

adjective
re·​dun·​dant ri-ˈdən-dənt How to pronounce redundant (audio)
1
: more than what is necessary or normal
2
: using or having more words than necessary : repetitious
redundantly adverb

Medical Definition

redundant

adjective
re·​dun·​dant ri-ˈdən-dənt How to pronounce redundant (audio)
: characterized by or containing an excess or superfluous amount
redundant pharyngeal tissue

More from Merriam-Webster on redundant

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