SuaviloquyToday’s word

surplus

Surplus, n.

Etymology: [F., fr. sur over + plus more. See Sur-, and Plus, and cf. Superplus.]

1. That which remains when use or need is satisfied, or when a limit is reached; excess; overplus.

2. Specifically, an amount in the public treasury at any time greater than is required for the ordinary purposes of the government.

1 other Webster entry under this spelling

Surplus, a.

Being or constituting a surplus; more than sufficient; as, surplus revenues; surplus population; surplus words. When the price of corn falleth, men give over surplus tillage, and break no more ground. Carew.

Shades of meaning

Fernald has no entry of its own for surplus; he lists it under excess.

Where he writes about it:

Surplus is neutral, having none of the unfavorable meaning that often attaches to excess; a surplus is that which remains over after all demands are met. — from excess

Synonyms

excessdissipationexorbitanceextravaganceintemperancelavishnessoverplusprodigalityprofusionredundanceredundancysuperabundancesuperfluitywastewastefulness

Antonyms

dearthdefectdeficiencydestitutioneconomyfailurefrugalityinadequacyinsufficiencylackneedpovertyscantinessshortcomingwant

etymologyWebster’s online