unsparing

adjective

un·​spar·​ing ˌən-ˈsper-iŋ How to pronounce unsparing (audio)
Synonyms of unsparingnext
1
: not merciful or forbearing : hard, ruthless
an unsparing satire
an unsparing critic
2
: not frugal : liberal, profuse
unsparing generosity
unsparingly adverb

Examples of unsparing in a Sentence

neighbors were unsparing in their charity when a local family was rendered homeless by a fire unsparing in his criticism of the welfare state
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The judge who sentenced Peters in October 2024 was unsparing. Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2026 Were a Democratic president doing any of this, Republican hawks would be unsparing in their criticism. Thomas Wright, The Atlantic, 18 May 2026 The title, from which the band also draws its name, describes the pay bump workers are mandated to get in times of economic flux, setting the table for the band’s ever-unsparing critiques of life under capitalism. Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 8 May 2026 On trade and geopolitics, Burke was equally unsparing. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for unsparing

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unsparing was circa 1586

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unsparing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsparing. Accessed 28 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

unsparing

adjective
un·​spar·​ing ˌən-ˈspa(ə)r-iŋ How to pronounce unsparing (audio)
-ˈspe(ə)r-
ˈən-
1
: not merciful or forgiving : hard, ruthless
unsparing attacks
2
: not stingy : liberal
unsparing in their gifts to charity
unsparingly adverb
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