Crossword Genius

Goads son? That's gratuitous (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

needless

'gratuitous' is the definition.
('needless' can be a synonym of 'gratuitous')

'goads son?' is the wordplay.
'goads' becomes 'needles' ('needle' can be a synonym of 'goad').
'son?' becomes 's'.
'needles'+'s'='NEEDLESS'

'that's' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for needless that I've seen before include "Lessened, as not required" , "luxury" , "Otiose" , "uncalled for" , "Gratuitous" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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