as in sparse
including only what is most basic or needed
a bare-bones website a bare-bones wedding ceremony The hotel rooms are bare-bones.
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Recent Examples of bare-bones
In a back room at Stanford University, engineers have mocked up a bare-bones grocery store, complete with shelves, baskets, and a scattering of unlabeled cans.
—
James Vincent, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
Spirit Airlines, the budget carrier known for its rock-bottom prices and bare-bones amenities, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in August -- its second such filing in less than a year.
—Aaron Gregg, Arkansas Online, 29 Dec. 2025
The discount supermarket chain has gained a reputation for low prices and a bare-bones approach.
—Kayla Steinberg, NBC news, 27 Dec. 2025
This was a bare-bones operation.
—Ian Parker, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bare-bones
James Vincent, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
Spirit Airlines, the budget carrier known for its rock-bottom prices and bare-bones amenities, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in August -- its second such filing in less than a year.
—Aaron Gregg, Arkansas Online, 29 Dec. 2025
The discount supermarket chain has gained a reputation for low prices and a bare-bones approach.
—Kayla Steinberg, NBC news, 27 Dec. 2025
This was a bare-bones operation.
—Ian Parker, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bare-bones
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bare-bones
Adjective
-
Even though the snow in the Rockies is sparse, Colorado ski-makers are still gearing up to sell the latest and greatest.—
Max Scheinblum,
Denver Post,
9 Jan. 2026
-
In a landscape where authenticity has become increasingly sparse, the rapper is proof that sometimes the best way to engage an audience is by simply being yourself.—
Ariana Yaptangco,
Glamour,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Every politician who has ever lied or who lies today will be nothing but a mere amateur when compared to the present occupant of the White House.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Addressing the long-standing opacity in supply chains, the consortium aims to set a new standard for transparency and traceability, underscoring blockchain’s essential role in transforming industry norms beyond mere brand names.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Sourcing Journal,
13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Ehrlich noted the short careers for college athletes and wondered whether a union for collective bargaining is even possible.—
ANDREW DESTIN,
Arkansas Online,
10 Jan. 2026
-
This short-sleeve pullover top is paired with a wide-leg pant to keep me cozy just about wherever my day takes me.—
Aly Walansky,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Paffett-Lugassy said the interaction model stays deliberately minimal.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Jan. 2026
-
That means minimal adjusting and fluffing are needed.—
Genevieve Cepeda,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bare-bones.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bare-bones. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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