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
-
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
-
Why America's business leaders engage in delicate diplomacy Corporate America's careful rhetoric — even as many big companies brace for the impact of the market volatility and the tariffs — illustrates the delicate diplomacy that business leaders are trying to engage in.—
Maria Aspan,
NPR,
14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Narratives were sparse to nonexistent, with more than one person commenting after the screenings some of the films were closer to commercials than short films.—
Winston Cho,
The Hollywood Reporter,
25 Mar. 2025
-
In Central Texas, early bloomers are a bit sparse this year — but that leaves more room for later spring and summer flowers to thrive.—
Shafaq Patel,
Axios,
21 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
-
Archway provides a no-obligation offer within 24 hours, can pay cash and close within three days or on a future date of the seller’s choice, and there are no fees or commissions to pay.—
Archway Homes,
Kansas City Star,
23 Mar. 2025
-
Coleman remains one of his closest friends in football and is able to provide insight into the formative parts of his playing and coaching careers.—
Simon Hughes,
The Athletic,
23 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
-
Majors said he's been taking meetings on a superhero film project, though details were scarce.—
Michileen Martin,
Newsweek,
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
-
Each feeding globe is housed within its own metal ring, with wide openings for easy filling and cleaning, and the set even includes spare solar caps and feeding ports for many seasons of use.—
Miles Walls,
Better Homes & Gardens,
22 Mar. 2025
-
The ship is capable of delivering ammunition, provisions, stores, spare parts, potable water and petroleum products to aircraft carrier groups and other naval forces, serving as a shuttle ship or station ship.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
21 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sparing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sparing. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share