gratuitous

/ɡɹəˈtjuː.ɪt.əs/adjective

Given or done without payment or without being deserved; unnecessary and uncalled for.

Example sentences

“Critics complained that the film's gratuitous scenes added nothing to the story.”
“Her gratuitous insult toward the waiter shocked everyone at the table.”

Now mostly means unnecessary and unprovoked: gratuitous violence in films is the fixed example. Related to 'gratuity', a tip, through the shared idea of something freely given.

Synonyms for gratuitous

unnecessary
uncalled-for
unwarranted
unjustified
needless

Antonyms

necessary
justified
warranted

Often confused with gratuitous

gratuitous vs gratuity

Find it in: Advanced English words.

Related words

grandioseVery large or ambitious in a way meant to impress.guileCleverness used to trick or deceive people.hackneyedUsed so often that it has become boring and lost its original effect.harangueA long, angry, forceful speech, especially one that criticizes or lectures people.genteelOverly polite and refined in manner, often in a way that seems artificial or old-fashioned.haughtyBehaving as if you are better or more important than other people; proud and scornful.