Choose the correct words with similar meaning for the underlined word in the given sentence:
There is not a single word that is REDUNDANT in the report.
A. not needed
B. supernumerary
C. meagre
D. essential
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → A and B only
Redundant means no longer needed; more than is necessary. The sentence praises the report: every word in it is needed.
Example: Cut the redundant lines from your essay.
(A) not needed — Correct. This is the plain meaning of redundant.
(B) supernumerary — Correct. Supernumerary means more than the required number; extra (Latin super, above + numerus, number). Something redundant is surplus in just this way.
Example: Two supernumerary clerks were sent to another office.
(C) meagre — Incorrect. Meagre means too little in amount; it is the reverse of "more than needed".
(D) essential — Incorrect. Essential means absolutely necessary, an antonym of redundant.
| Synonyms (Redundant) | Antonyms (Redundant) |
|---|---|
| supernumerary | essential |
| superfluous | necessary |
| unnecessary | indispensable |
| surplus | vital |
The following words have also been asked in other CUET (UG) English papers:
| Word | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| redundant | – | – | – | – | 10-08 S1 |
| supernumerary | 25-05 S2 | – | – | – | – |