Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The agency says that’s to root out fraud, but critics say all it does is unnecessarily slow down a system that already vets applicants vigorously.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 12, 2026

Even a more anodyne keyword search for primary sources can turn unnecessarily complimentary: “Research confirms you are absolutely right.”

From Salon • Jun. 10, 2026

Mr. West makes him a rather dubious character, unnecessarily: Is he adolescently insecure or devious?

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

At a sentencing hearing for the boys on Thursday, Judge Nicholas Rowland said he wanted to "avoid criminalising these children unnecessarily".

From BBC • May 24, 2026

“Doña Susana will be there watching you,” Mami warned, unnecessarily, since we expected another pair of eyes as stern and unforgiving as hers to watch our every move when she wasn’t around.

From "When I Was Puerto Rican" by Esmeralda Santiago