bare-bones

adjective

Definition of bare-bonesnext
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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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 Now, Comfrt has a core network of 500 content creators who make videos about the brand, and its bare-bones operation has grown to 140 full-time employees on payroll. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 2 Aug. 2026 Last season, Carrick had the unenviable task of divvying up minutes across a bare-bones schedule. — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026 Together with engineer Dirk MacLeod, in 2015 Nakogee began hashing out the details of a bare-bones version of the system. — IEEE Spectrum, 30 July 2026 John Cusack is proud that his latest project is the work of a bare-bones crew. — Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 25 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for bare-bones
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bare-bones
  1. sparse
  2. mere
  3. short
  4. minimal
Adjective
  • The Kennedy Center has grown increasingly marooned from its many patrons and performing arts peers in recent months, and today has a starkly sparse programming schedule.
    — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Inside Colombia, tremors from the quake’s epicenter reached as far as the remote region of Chocó on Monday, where sparse inroads could potentially delay efforts to reach more than half a million residents, according to Grece.
    — Sana Noor Haq, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of sparse
Adjective
  • Mahony envisions Addition Wealth as the ambient financial infrastructure supporting every major life decision, moving beyond a mere workplace benefit.
    — Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • But to his legions of enemies — from MAGA reactionaries to the Anti-Defamation League to mere centrist Democrats — Piker is a loudmouth extremist who’s actively harming the country.
    — Josh Eells, Rolling Stone, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of mere
Adjective
  • However short its window, think of it as a bridge to help ease your wardrobe’s transition from warmer days to cooler ones.
    — Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Three total solar eclipses within about two years occur because three separate Saros series happen to align over a short period.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of short
Adjective
  • This was a reduced version called by new offensive coordinator Nathan Scheelhaase, with minimal opponent-specific game planning and facing the Chiefs’ backups.
    — Nate Atkins, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Lawns need to consume a minimal amount of nutrients in summer.
    — Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of minimal

Browse Nearby Words

bare
bare-bones
bared
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Cite this Entry

“Bare-bones.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bare-bones. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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