miserliness 1 of 2

Definition of miserlinessnext

miserly

2 of 2

adjective

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective miserly contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of miserly are close, niggardly, parsimonious, penurious, and stingy. While all these words mean "being unwilling or showing unwillingness to share with others," miserly suggests a sordid avariciousness and a morbid pleasure in hoarding.

a miserly couple devoid of social conscience

When can close be used instead of miserly?

Although the words close and miserly have much in common, close suggests keeping a tight grip on one's money and possessions.

folks who are very close when charity calls

When is it sensible to use niggardly instead of miserly?

While the synonyms niggardly and miserly are close in meaning, niggardly implies giving or spending the very smallest amount possible.

the niggardly amount budgeted for the town library

Where would parsimonious be a reasonable alternative to miserly?

The synonyms parsimonious and miserly are sometimes interchangeable, but parsimonious suggests a frugality so extreme as to lead to stinginess.

a parsimonious lifestyle notably lacking in luxuries

When would penurious be a good substitute for miserly?

The words penurious and miserly can be used in similar contexts, but penurious implies niggardliness that gives an appearance of actual poverty.

the penurious eccentric bequeathed a fortune

When is stingy a more appropriate choice than miserly?

While in some cases nearly identical to miserly, stingy implies a marked lack of generosity.

a stingy child, not given to sharing

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 miserliness
Adjective
Depp will play the titular role of Ebenezer Scrooge, a misanthropic and miserly businessman in 19th century London who is visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future in an effort to save himself from an afterlife of torment. Adam B. Vary, Variety, 23 Oct. 2025 But if raising the minimum wage to $25 an hour would actually help all workers, why be so miserly about it? Adam Summers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Oct. 2025 That’ll teach Assad to give Meatball more than a miserly $40 contribution next time! Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 24 Aug. 2025 McKim, Mead & White quickly became the place for aspiring young architects, who avidly sought jobs there despite miserly salaries. Henry Wiencek july 22, Literary Hub, 22 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for miserliness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for miserliness
Noun
  • As India opened its economy to the world in the 1990s, Khan opened its heart.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025
  • The model applies circular economy principles—reduce, reuse, and recycle—to chart a more sustainable path for China’s sand and gravel industry.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Freedom and rule of law were defended last night, but dictators will try to exploit this to rationalize their selfish objectives.
    Rachel Scott, ABC News, 3 Jan. 2026
  • Even though a lot of what happens in the book borders on the ridiculous because of the behavior of narcissistic selfish venal individuals.
    David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 26 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter’s unit rarely gets burned by big plays in the passing game — save for the first quarter against the Texans in Week 17 — and pairing that with stinginess inside the 20-yard line has made the Chargers difficult to score on consistently.
    Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Step by careful step, Holbrook climbed, holding out bologna and cheese until two pairs of cautious eyes peeked back.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Understanding that difference can prevent endless money conflicts because frugality builds a meaningful life, while cheapness slowly erodes joy.
    Brian Page, CNBC, 26 Dec. 2025
  • Reputationally, the tech was a risk; Spotify’s rise had triggered complaints from artists who felt like the new system’s ease and cheapness devalued their art.
    Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 18 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • The Heat’s offense struggled to generate quality looks against the Timberwolves’ stingy defense, especially in half-court situations.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Charlotte shot 53 percent (19-for-37 from 3, 51 percent) against OKC’s usually stingy defense.
    Jason Jones, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Inflation continues to pressure consumers The holiday economizing comes as Americans continue to battle inflation, which rose after the COVID-19 pandemic to levels not seen since the 1980s.
    Alexander Coolidge, Cincinnati Enquirer, 11 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Carrey portrays Ebenezer Scrooge, a cantankerous, greedy old man visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve who show him the error of his ways.
    Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 11 Dec. 2025
  • The turning point in this contest, though, came when the Chiefs decided to get greedy on fourth-and-1 from their own 31-yard line.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 8 Dec. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Miserliness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/miserliness. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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