Crossword Genius

Pointers initially seem unnecessary (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

needless

'unnecessary' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'pointers initially seem' is the wordplay.
'pointers' becomes 'needles' (needle is a kind of pointer).
'initially' suggests taking the first letters.
The initial letter of 'seem' is 's'.
'needles'+'s'='NEEDLESS'

(Other definitions for needless that I've seen before include "Gratuitous" , "Excessive" , "- - to say" , "Otiose" , "Unnecessary, avoidable" .)

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