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
  • Even within the sparse and widely untouched sector, CBP is not beginning from zero.
    — Nicole Sganga, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Those funds have grown ever sparser as the administration of new President Jose Antonio Kast, who took office in March, has announced cuts to the Ministry of Culture and various competitive funds for the Arts.
    — Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of sparse
Adjective
  • This shift from mere point accumulation to empowering informed redemption is crucial as loyalty evolves from a retention tool to a growth engine for financial institutions.
    — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • As designed for the Multivan California Beach, the bed and kitchen set weighs a mere 49 lb (22 kg)), a savings of over 80% compared to the hard bed and kitchen set in the current California Beach production lineup.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of mere
Adjective
  • Despite her openness about those trials, many still wonder, in the aftermath of her death, how yet another gifted actor who grew up in the limelight could have their story cut so short.
    — Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Perhaps better health and shorter assignments will help Cabrera harness his high-end velocity and create greater separation between his fastball and a unique changeup.
    — Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 18 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 21 Aug. 2026.

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