as in shortage
a falling short of an essential or desirable amount or number
the scantiness of grass meant that we had to feed the cows extra hay
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in sparse
less plentiful than what is normal, necessary, or desirable
the camera's scanty instructions left me somewhat confused
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of scantiness
Pam Peirce, SFChronicle.com, 7 Feb. 2020
In the sunshine outside a large convention center in the southern Spanish city of Estepona, some very fit-looking people in scanty clothing applied fake tans and rehearsed statuesque poses.
—Washington Post, 16 Nov. 2019
Falling production This year has been the first in nearly a century when India’s overall monsoon rainfall has exceeded its average levels despite a scanty start to the season in June.
—Kuwar Singh, Quartz India, 3 Oct. 2019
The Associated Press has not verified who caused the woman’s injury, and photographic evidence has been scanty.
—Washington Post, 13 Aug. 2019
See All Example Sentences for scantiness
Adjective
Japanese edible chrysanthemum: Data is scanty on other species that are also commonly called daisies, but one with daisylike flowers is definitely edible: Japanese edible chrysanthemum, a.k.a., shungiku or tong ho.
—Pam Peirce, SFChronicle.com, 7 Feb. 2020
In the sunshine outside a large convention center in the southern Spanish city of Estepona, some very fit-looking people in scanty clothing applied fake tans and rehearsed statuesque poses.
—Washington Post, 16 Nov. 2019
Falling production This year has been the first in nearly a century when India’s overall monsoon rainfall has exceeded its average levels despite a scanty start to the season in June.
—Kuwar Singh, Quartz India, 3 Oct. 2019
The Associated Press has not verified who caused the woman’s injury, and photographic evidence has been scanty.
—Washington Post, 13 Aug. 2019
See All Example Sentences for scantiness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scantiness
Noun
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At the time Volkswagen was the first automaker to warn of a global chip shortage.—
Steve Banker,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2025
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Only Salt Lake City’s 99,000 shortage – 88 workers for 100 jobs – was wider.—
Jonathan Lansner,
Oc Register,
30 May 2025
Adjective
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But turnout at Wednesday’s sessions was sparse; at faculty and student forums, more than half of the seats were empty.—
Garrett Shanley,
Miami Herald,
22 May 2025
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The Spa The Recovery Lab feels more like a doctor’s office than a traditional spa, with sparse white walls and minimal decor.—
Siobhan Reid,
Travel + Leisure,
22 May 2025
Noun
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After two days exploring Barcelona, Spain, Napton was surprised at the lack of political discourse.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
26 May 2025
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Morehouse graduates applaud the honor Part of the tragedy of Hubert’s lynching was a lack of awareness surrounding his story among Morehouse graduates until only recently, several alumni said.—
Dalia Faheid,
CNN Money,
25 May 2025
Adjective
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In a job market where interviews are scarce and searches can stretch for months, Marino-Briggs was struck by how often candidates arrived unprepared.—
Julia Korn,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2025
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In a year where momentum is scarce, NASCAR’s 600-mile test provides a chance to put some distance between the good and the great.—
Shane Connuck,
Charlotte Observer,
23 May 2025
Noun
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Key Takeaways Hair shedding or thinning can begin a few months after surgery due to stress, nutrient deficiencies, or both.—
Ashley Olivine,
Verywell Health,
28 May 2025
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Really, much of Hart’s time at Triple-A El Paso was spent attacking his deficiencies against right-handed hitters, who were hitting .333/.386/.698 against him in the majors compared to a .100/.100/.100 line in 20 plate appearances against lefties.—
Jeff Sanders,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Scantiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scantiness. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
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