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.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 bare-bones
Her crew were mostly recent film-school graduates, young and fresh-faced, working on bare-bones sets built for a fraction of the movie’s budget, a mere $250,000.
—
Joshua Hunt, Vulture, 5 June 2025
Accordingly, what may first appear to be a bare-bones minimalist frame is just the base of a modular system that allows users to opt in to details and accessories that work for them—and say no to the ones that don’t.
—Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 3 June 2025
The Sound Recorder app also replaces Windows 10’s bare-bones Voice Recorder.
—PC Magazine, 2 June 2025
As a bare-bones gaming chair, the Novis doesn't have many adjustments.
—PC Magazine, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for bare-bones
Joshua Hunt, Vulture, 5 June 2025
Accordingly, what may first appear to be a bare-bones minimalist frame is just the base of a modular system that allows users to opt in to details and accessories that work for them—and say no to the ones that don’t.
—Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 3 June 2025
The Sound Recorder app also replaces Windows 10’s bare-bones Voice Recorder.
—PC Magazine, 2 June 2025
As a bare-bones gaming chair, the Novis doesn't have many adjustments.
—PC Magazine, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for bare-bones
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bare-bones
Adjective
-
Seek out tacit knowledge that is not documented anywhere or is sparse but will be key in driving successful autonomous decisions. 4.—
Lucas Persona,
Forbes.com,
16 June 2025
-
This is an area of space where gas in the interstellar medium is relatively sparse, with an overall low density.—
Keith Cooper,
Space.com,
16 June 2025
Adjective
-
Israel’s incursion into southern Lebanon has revealed a military outpost about a mere 300 yards north of the border with the Jewish state that is filled with explosives and mines, according to Israel Defense Forces (IDF).—
Benjamin Weinthal,
FOXNews.com,
19 June 2025
-
In 1945, the mere prospect of an Israeli state inspired a boycott by every Arab one, in the name of the Palestinians.—
Karl Vick,
Time,
19 June 2025
Adjective
-
Much like lamb’s ear, this short, fuzzy foliage is nice and sturdy.—
Josh Miller,
Southern Living,
21 June 2025
-
Plus, as a shorter shopper who’s always coming up with petite fashion hacks, the midi length will be the perfect maxi dress on my 5-foot frame.—
Jamie Allison Sanders,
People.com,
21 June 2025
Adjective
-
Though the damage was minimal, the USGA later confirmed he was fined an undisclosed amount for violating Rule 1.2a, which governs player conduct.—
Devlina Sarkar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 June 2025
-
When there's minimal to no oxygen, the spores can flourish.—
Lauren David,
Southern Living,
27 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bare-bones.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bare-bones. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share