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.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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 bare-bones
Williams knows how to humanize this bare-bones vocabulary, minutely adjusting the voicing of a chord or caressing the last of a set of recurring motifs with a regretful ritardando.
—
Alex Ross, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026
And if the idea of minimalist furniture brings to mind uncomfortable, bare-bones seating, think again.
—Mary Grace Granados
special Contributor, Dallas Morning News, 20 Jan. 2026
And their unprecedented early departure leaves behind a bare-bones staff to look after the outpost.
—Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 14 Jan. 2026
From high-fashion runways to interior decor showrooms, the minimalism trend touched every corner of the design world, with creatives finding new ways to cut off the excess and focus on shape, quality, and bare-bones beauty.
—Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bare-bones
Alex Ross, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026
And if the idea of minimalist furniture brings to mind uncomfortable, bare-bones seating, think again.
—Mary Grace Granados
special Contributor, Dallas Morning News, 20 Jan. 2026
And their unprecedented early departure leaves behind a bare-bones staff to look after the outpost.
—Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 14 Jan. 2026
From high-fashion runways to interior decor showrooms, the minimalism trend touched every corner of the design world, with creatives finding new ways to cut off the excess and focus on shape, quality, and bare-bones beauty.
—Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bare-bones
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bare-bones
Adjective
-
While other local luxury properties have embraced a desert-chic aesthetic (think neutral hues, sparse decor, minimalist design), Casa Cody has gone in its own direction.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Feb. 2026
-
This styler has a pencil for spot-filling sparse brows and a soft spoolie for blending in product afterward.—
Alanna Martine Kilkeary,
Glamour,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
This is mere days after John vowed to protect their private lives from the public.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Whitten Burrage refused Rother’s suggestion that State Farm’s captive agents were mere bystanders in disputes between State Farm and its policyholders.—
J.C. Hallman,
Oklahoman,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Two patchy, short ceasefires limited to energy infrastructure.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
24 Feb. 2026
-
Schedule a tour of the distillery in the morning, then take the short drive to Dunluce Castle, one of the most picturesque castles in the country.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The committee approved the East Village Green item 3-0 as part of the consent agenda, meaning it was considered routine and grouped alongside other items for approval with minimal discussion.—
Jennifer Van Grove,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Feb. 2026
-
What initally drew me to it is the impressively minimal ingredient list—packed to the brim with many of anti-aging’s superstar ingredients.—
Deanna Pai,
Vogue,
23 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bare-bones.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bare-bones. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
