supererogatory
More than necessary
Supererogatory describes actions that go beyond what duty or obligation requires—doing more than what's expected or necessary.
The term comes from Catholic moral theology, where it referred to good works performed beyond what God demands for salvation.
In everyday use, it often carries a slightly ironic edge, suggesting excessive or unnecessary effort: His supererogatory apologies only made the situation more awkward.
Something supererogatory may be admirable when it reflects genuine generosity, or tiresome when it seems like showing off.
Not compulsory or mandated
- voluntaryDone by choice
- discretionarySubject to personal judgment
- electiveChosen, not mandated
- unrequiredNot needed or demanded
noncompulsory · permissible · freely given · unprompted · spontaneous · unbidden · unsolicited · gratuitous
Exceeding what suffices
- redundantExceeding what's needed
- unnecessaryNot essential or required
- surplusAmount exceeding requirement
- overabundantExisting in excess
unneeded · dispensable · extraneous · gratuitous · overkill · unwarranted · needless · expendable
Deserving praise or honor
- saintlyMorally pure, devout
- virtuousMorally excellent, principled
- nobleTitled or virtuous
- righteousMorally good, justified
selfless · heroic · praiseworthy · commendable · laudable · exemplary · magnanimous · benevolent
nonobligatory
Not compulsory or mandated
- voluntaryDone by choice
- discretionarySubject to personal judgment
- electiveChosen, not mandated
unrequired · noncompulsory · permissible · freely given · unprompted · spontaneous · unbidden · unsolicited · gratuitous · supplementary
superfluous
Exceeding what suffices
- redundantExceeding what's needed
- unnecessaryNot essential or required
- surplusAmount exceeding requirement
overabundant · unneeded · dispensable · extraneous · gratuitous · overkill · unwarranted · needless · expendable · inessential
meritorious
Deserving praise or honor
righteous · selfless · heroic · praiseworthy · commendable · laudable · exemplary · magnanimous · benevolent · charitable
supererogatoryobligatory
Required by rule
mandatory · required · necessary · compulsory · duty-bound
supererogatoryinsufficient
Below required quantity
deficient · inadequate · lacking · wanting · short
supplement, supervisor, supernatural, supersede, superintendent, superlative, supersonic, supercilious, supernumerary