Supernumerary — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun /ˌsü-pər-ˈnü-mə-ˌrer-ē/ su·per·nu·mer·ary

Meaning & Definition of Supernumerary

Supernumerary (adjective)

  1. exceeding the usual, stated, or prescribed number
  2. not enumerated among the regular components of a group and especially of a military organization
  3. exceeding what is necessary, required, or desired

Supernumerary (noun)

  1. a supernumerary person or thing
  2. an actor employed to play a walk-on

Supernumerary (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. being over what is needed

    "a third, supernumerary witness to the signing of the will"

    similar: excess, extra, redundant, spare, supererogatory, superfluous, surplus
    related: accessory, additional, supplemental, supplementary, de trop, dispensable, extraneous, gratuitous, needless, nonessential, uncalled-for, unessential, unnecessary, unneeded, unwanted, abundant, ample, bountiful, copious, plenteous, plentiful
    near: deficient, inadequate, insufficient, meager, poor, scant, scanty, scarce, short, shortish, skimpy, sparse

Supernumerary (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in walk-on, extra

    similar: extra, spear-carrier, walk-on, coactor, costar, monologuist, lead, leading lady, leading man, star, prima donna, scene-stealer, actress, starlet, double, understudy, barnstormer, enactor, entertainer, performer, comedian, farceur, actor, impersonator, mummer, player, thesp, thespian, trouper
    opposite: nonactor, amateur, nonprofessional, novice

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Supernumerary

The most common words with a similar meaning to Supernumerary:

excess, extra, redundant, spare, supererogatory, superfluous, surplus, spear-carrier, walk-on, coactor, costar, monologuist, lead, leading lady, leading man, star, prima donna, scene-stealer, actress, starlet, double, understudy, barnstormer, enactor, entertainer, performer, comedian, farceur, actor, impersonator, mummer, player, thesp, thespian, trouper

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Supernumerary

Words with the opposite meaning of Supernumerary:

nonactor, amateur, nonprofessional, novice

Related Words for Supernumerary

accessory, additional, supplemental, supplementary, de trop, dispensable, extraneous, gratuitous, needless, nonessential, uncalled-for, unessential, unnecessary, unneeded, unwanted, abundant, ample, bountiful, copious, plenteous, plentiful

Near Antonyms of Supernumerary

deficient, inadequate, insufficient, meager, poor, scant, scanty, scarce, short, shortish, skimpy, sparse

Word Forms of Supernumerary

Inflections: supernumeraries

Origin & Etymology of Supernumerary

Late Latin supernumerarius, from Latin super- + numerus number

First known use: 1605

Frequently Asked Questions about Supernumerary

What does "Supernumerary" mean?

"Supernumerary" means exceeding the usual, stated, or prescribed number. As an an adjective and a noun, it is defined as: exceeding the usual, stated, or prescribed number. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Supernumerary"?

Other words for "Supernumerary" include excess, extra, redundant, spare, supererogatory, superfluous, surplus and spear-carrier. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Supernumerary" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Supernumerary"?

There are 56 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Supernumerary". Common alternatives include excess, extra, redundant, spare, supererogatory, superfluous, surplus, spear-carrier, walk-on and coactor.

What is the opposite of "Supernumerary"?

Antonyms of "Supernumerary" include nonactor, amateur, nonprofessional and novice. Near antonyms include deficient, inadequate, insufficient and meager.

How do you use "Supernumerary" in a sentence?

Examples of "Supernumerary" in a sentence: "a third, supernumerary witness to the signing of the will".

Is "Supernumerary" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Supernumerary" can be used as an adjective and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Supernumerary"?

"Supernumerary" is pronounced /ˌsü-pər-ˈnü-mə-ˌrer-ē/ and divided into syllables as su·per·nu·mer·ary.

What is the origin of the word "Supernumerary"?

"Supernumerary" comes from Late Latin supernumerarius, from Latin super- + numerus number. First known use: 1605.