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sparing

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verb

present participle of spare

Synonym Chooser

How is the word sparing distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of sparing are economical, frugal, and thrifty. While all these words mean "careful in the use of one's money or resources," sparing stresses abstention and restraint.

sparing in the offering of advice

When might economical be a better fit than sparing?

Although the words economical and sparing have much in common, economical stresses prudent management, lack of wastefulness, and use of things to their best advantage.

an economical health-care plan

When can frugal be used instead of sparing?

In some situations, the words frugal and sparing are roughly equivalent. However, frugal implies absence of luxury and simplicity of lifestyle.

ran a frugal household

Where would thrifty be a reasonable alternative to sparing?

While in some cases nearly identical to sparing, thrifty stresses good management and industry.

thrifty use of nonrenewable resources

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
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
  • This clarity can be more economical than traditional systems.
    Gegham Azatyan, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
  • On a technical level, the scene is not unlike Ray and Manny’s operation itself — economical, efficient, and immersive, if not a little slap-and-dash feeling.
    Andy Andersen, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • These concerns underscore the need for careful consideration of privacy rights when deploying such technology.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Rendering animal fat requires careful heating and purification to remove impurities.
    Boutayna Chokrane, WIRED, 14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Team Harris’s strategy appeared to rely heavily on a short campaign window, with a sparse interview schedule, slow windup to unscripted events, and ambiguous policy positions.
    W. James Antle III, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 Mar. 2025
  • But as lashes become shorter, thinner, and more sparse over time, the best mascara for older women step in to lift the lashes—and the spirits—up.
    Jenny Berg, Vogue, 13 Mar. 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
  • Many close followers of Barca have remarked on how players seem to understand what the coach wants of them perfectly, which had not always been the case in previous seasons.
    Laia Cervelló Herrero, The Athletic, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Where’s The Money? To understand why, take a close look at these three programs: Social Security benefits go to individual older adults or people with disabilities.
    Howard Gleckman, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • When football resumed, money was scarce and plans for a new bridge into Salford and a car park were delayed.
    Michael Walker, The Athletic, 15 Mar. 2025
  • The bottom line: Fintech IPOs have been scarce, but a successful Klarna listing could lead to more.
    Ryan Lawler, Axios, 14 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
  • While hot water can help break down oils and grease, cold water is gentler on fabrics and helps prevent shrinking or fading, which is important for preserving the longevity of your sheets.
    Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 23 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • On the International Space Station, astronauts use 3D printers to make tools and spare parts, such as ratchet wrenches, clamps and brackets.
    Sven Bilén, The Conversation, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Payton has finally given up the notion that three spare parts — Adam Trautman, Lucas Krull and Nate Adkins — equal one pass-catching V-8.
    Troy Renck, The Denver Post, 12 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sparing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sparing. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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