Crossword Genius

Provokes son, which is unnecessary (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

needless

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

'provokes son' is the wordplay.
'provokes' becomes 'needles' (needling is a kind of provoking).
'son' becomes 's'.
'needles'+'s'='NEEDLESS'

'which is' is the link.

(Other definitions for needless that I've seen before include "Surplus to requirements" , "Uncalled-for" , "Unnecessary and unwarranted" , "- - to say" , "without provocation?" .)

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