1
as in economical
careful in the management of money or resources
a sparing couple who are trying to save up enough for a house
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in careful
giving or sharing as little as possible
a government agency that has always been sparing of public information
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in sparse
less plentiful than what is normal, necessary, or desirable
unfortunately, the explanation of the health insurance plan was somewhat sparing on details
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in conserving
to use or give out in stingy amounts
I'll have a banana split—and don't spare the whipped cream
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in saving
to avoid unnecessary waste or expense
she had grown up during the Great Depression, so she was no stranger to sparing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of sparing
Longreads, 19 Dec. 2024
Mercy for violence, however, remained more sparing.
—New York Times, 17 Nov. 2021
Adjective
But the smile is now more sparing, at least on camera.
—Longreads, 19 Dec. 2024
Mercy for violence, however, remained more sparing.
—New York Times, 17 Nov. 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sparing
Adjective
-
There are many wallpaper types and a range of prices and types, but shopping for peel-and-stick wallpaper is an economical option to improve your space.—
Rebecca Jones,
Southern Living,
27 Mar. 2025
-
Far From the Best, But Good Enough for the Price The JLab Go Pop ANC earbuds are incredibly economical at $29.99.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
But the discussion around Golden this season has been muted, strained and careful all the way to the end, Monday’s dramatic 65-63 comeback win against Houston to seize the title.—
Joe Rexrode,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2025
-
Although careful planning is essential, action generates momentum.—
Chris Gallagher,
USA Today,
8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The evidence against Mayers was sparse, mainly consisting of a few indistinct and inconveniently angled surveillance videos.—
Julian Sancton,
HollywoodReporter,
4 Apr. 2025
-
This abundance is in stark contrast to today, when sightings of migrating fish are sparse.—
Logan Kistler,
JSTOR Daily,
3 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Addressing these inefficiencies through sustainable practices, energy-efficient technologies, energy audits and waste-to-energy solutions is crucial to reducing the global carbon footprint, conserving resources, and mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.—
Dianne Plummer,
Forbes,
30 Dec. 2024
-
In 1980, voters overwhelmingly chose Reagan’s sunny optimism over Carter’s gloomy warnings about cutting back and conserving.—
Leonard Greene,
New York Daily News,
30 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
There are several international destinations where pickpocketing is extremely common, so having all of my essentials close is a priority.—
Jordyn Burrell,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Apr. 2025
-
Ask any top-flight manager to draw up the frame and skill set of their ideal midfielder, all rules of creation in their hands, and Toure would be the closest facsimile.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
New York Times,
5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Details of who makes up the DOGE staff have been scarce despite the intense media attention on the team's efforts.—
Sarah D. Wire,
USA Today,
28 Mar. 2025
-
As a rule, if rain is scarce, a crepe myrtle needs two to three gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter per week.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
26 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
The museum, which was founded in 2014 with the goal of preserving automotive history, also hosts the Audrain Newport Concours and Motor Week each year.—
Basem Wasef,
Robb Report,
24 Dec. 2024
-
Sure, the Russian air force is preserving its planes.—
David Axe,
Forbes,
23 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
The vest was loaded with several spare magazines, an automatic knife, and other equipment.—
John Miller,
CNN Money,
2 Apr. 2025
-
Grimes is no longer a spare part in a crowded Knicks rotation.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
2 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sparing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sparing. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share