Synonyms for

Leftover

Verb / ˈleˌftəʊvɜ: / Another word for leftover — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Something that remains after the rest has been used or taken.

Synonyms & similar words

unexpended leftover odd remnant left remaining remaining surplus excess unused extra spare superfluous redundant residual vestigial odd unconsumed unutilized uneaten untouched leftovers left-overs balance

Synonyms by register

Formal

remaining surplus unconsumed residual

Informal

scraps remains odds and ends

Literary

vestiges remnants leavings

Antonyms

primary initial original main principal foremost

Common collocations

  • leftover food
  • leftover money
  • leftover time
  • leftover ingredients
  • leftover energy
  • leftover scraps
  • leftover portion

Word family

noun leftover
adjective leftover

Usage note

Primarily used as an adjective or noun to describe something that remains after the rest has been used or consumed. Can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation of being less desirable than the original.

Example sentences

  1. I always have leftover chicken after dinner.
  2. She gave me the leftover cake to take home.
  3. The restaurant gave us the leftover bread to take home.
  4. I don't like to waste leftover food.
  5. There were a lot of leftover balloons after the party.

Quotes

  • I always have leftover food. Part of being a good Southern woman is never wasting food. - Dolly Parton
  • Leftovers in their less visible form are called memories. Stored in the refrigerator of the mind and the cupboard of the heart. - Thomas Fuller
  • I don't mind leftovers. I think they taste better the next day. - Cindy Crawford

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