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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

Examples 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
Mercy for violence, however, remained more sparing. New York Times, 17 Nov. 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sparing
Adjective
  • Although the upfront cost may be higher than a monthly subscription, the lifetime license makes Office 2021 a more economical choice in the long run. Don't miss this budget-friendly productivity solution while the price has dropped.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 Oct. 2024
  • This moment is so effective because Ford is so economical with his emotions.
    Jen Chaney, Vulture, 18 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • These things make Istanbul a great place to get high-quality hair transplants at low prices, but patients need to be careful to avoid secret risks.
    Ethan Stone, Journal Sentinel, 20 Nov. 2024
  • Making these breads takes over 72 hours of slow and careful workmanship.
    Irene S. Levine, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Those in attendance seemed to have fun, even if the internet buzz was pretty sparse.
    Michael Savio, Vulture, 15 Nov. 2024
  • The collection is sparse from then on, since starting in the early 1970s the sewing industry mirrored the shift to ready-to-wear and away from couture.
    Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 1 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Things To Do Though Disney focused on conserving the land, there are still plenty of activities offered on the island.
    Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2024
  • Voters were given three names to choose from, all of which represented the importance of conserving the species and honored his parents, Shepherd said.
    Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 13 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • Ballot recounts are scheduled Tuesday for two close Ramsey County races.
    Imani Cruzen, Twin Cities, 16 Nov. 2024
  • China demonstrated its pull on the world stage by welcoming a delegation from Saudi Arabia with its first pavilion at the event, as well as its close ties with Russia even as that country is isolated from Western nations and their allies due to its invasion of Ukraine.
    Reuters, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Though photos are scarce, online listings show a sunken living room sporting a wet bar and a double-sided fireplace that steps up to an adjacent dining area.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 20 Nov. 2024
  • Several told ProPublica that cybersecurity contract opportunities are now scarce.
    Renee Dudley, ProPublica, 15 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The design should feel fresh yet familiar, preserving key elements like logos or colors that resonate with loyal customers.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024
  • The township is committed to preserving its rural, country living charm, as highlighted on its website.
    Brendel Hightower, Detroit Free Press, 4 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • Texture was never Eastwood’s strong point; his films have mainly been stark and spare, with a sense of style that can nearly be defined as an abstinence from style.
    Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2024
  • The watch comes with its full bracelet and a spare bezel piece, along with a certificate of origin from Vacheron Constantin.
    Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near sparing

Cite this Entry

“Sparing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sparing. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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