spare 1 of 3

1
as in to scant
to use or give out in stingy amounts I'll have a banana split—and don't spare the whipped cream

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2

spare

2 of 3

adjective

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spare

3 of 3

noun

as in backup
an interchangeable part or piece of equipment that is kept on hand for replacement of an original we promptly replaced the burnt-out lightbulb with a spare

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective spare contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of spare are gaunt, lanky, lank, lean, rawboned, scrawny, and skinny. While all these words mean "thin because of an absence of excess flesh," spare suggests leanness from abstemious living or constant exercise.

the gymnast's spare figure

When could gaunt be used to replace spare?

The words gaunt and spare are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, gaunt implies marked thinness or emaciation as from overwork or suffering.

a prisoner's gaunt face

When is lank a more appropriate choice than spare?

The meanings of lank and spare largely overlap; however, lank implies tallness as well as leanness.

the lank legs of the heron

When is it sensible to use lanky instead of spare?

In some situations, the words lanky and spare are roughly equivalent. However, lanky suggests awkwardness and loose-jointedness as well as thinness.

a lanky youth, all arms and legs

When can lean be used instead of spare?

The synonyms lean and spare are sometimes interchangeable, but lean stresses lack of fat and of curving contours.

a lean racehorse

When would rawboned be a good substitute for spare?

The words rawboned and spare can be used in similar contexts, but rawboned suggests a large ungainly build without implying undernourishment.

a rawboned farmer

How do scrawny and skinny relate to one another, in the sense of spare?

Both scrawny and skinny imply an extreme leanness that suggests deficient strength and vitality.

a scrawny chicken
skinny street urchins

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 spare
Verb
Reuters — Vietnam will remove the death penalty for eight offenses from next month, including embezzlement and activities aimed at overthrowing the government, parliament said on Wednesday, sparing the life of a tycoon in a $12 billion fraud case. CNN Money, 25 June 2025 Hopefully the pro-trade members of California’s congressional delegation, especially its Republicans who have strong ties with the administration, can persuade the White House to spare critical products like medicines from its trade measures. Ron Nehring, Oc Register, 24 June 2025
Adjective
These forms are complemented by their spare use of textiles like velvet and silk, which soften the clean lines of the collection. Adrian Madlener, Curbed, 26 June 2025 If Iranian oil is then taken off the market or if Tehran should target Gulf oil facilities, there is plenty of spare oil capacity globally to make up for what is lost. Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 22 June 2025
Noun
There’s plenty of head room in both rows of seats and a spacious cargo compartment that offers features including a rubber mat, dog-friendly package and a neat underfloor compartment that creates space for a full-size spare — something serious off-roaders demand. Mark Phelan, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025 There's also a stock of parts and spares, and a follow-up list of inventory in third-party warehouses that has had its value cut by 65% for the purpose of liquidation. New Atlas, 24 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spare
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spare
Verb
  • By scanting this complexity, Remnick leaves readers with a less than totally satisfying depiction of Obama's encounter with the world of black Chicago.
    Walter Russell Mead, Foreign Affairs, 1 July 2010
  • Trump captured attention his first time around, in part, by talking about issues that other candidates scanted: the threat of China, chaos at the southern border.
    NR Editors, National Review, 22 Dec. 2023
Verb
  • While gymnasts are flying inside a venue during the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, Archer Aviation electric air taxis will be flitting through the air above the area saving athletes, VIPs, guests and myriad others from performing brutal traffic acrobatics to get from place-to-place.
    Ed Garsten, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • One reported a 60% increase in sales within four months, while another saved 30-hours per week on decision-making processes, according to Medone.
    Sonia Osorio, Miami Herald, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • This extra payment can make a big difference in your financial security, Goredema says.
    Margaret Cirino, NPR, 25 June 2025
  • Following an extra innings loss to the Cincinnati Reds that saw Aaron Boone's bullpen collapse, the Yankees' captain, Aaron Judge, spoke to the media about the team's performance.
    Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • In reality, Israel overpowered Iran’s military and outwitted its intelligence with stunning efficiency, demonstrating years, if not decades, of careful preparation in under two weeks.
    Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • If allowed, Andrew will likely bring further reputational damage to the monarchy at a time when the royal ship needs a careful steer.
    Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • In a thin free agent class that’s getting thinner by the minute, there are Ehlers and Boeser (Mitch Marner is expected to go to Vegas, though Sportnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported the Leafs are rattling their sabers about potential tampering by the Golden Knights) at the top.
    Stephen Conroy, Hartford Courant, 30 June 2025
  • But rather than spreading resources thin to cast a wide net that lightly lifts production across the board, policymakers should focus their energy on restoring the production capacity of sectors critical to national security and Americans' health.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Accurate data is scarce, given that members of groups rarely self-identify.
    R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Dholes are dogs and communal hunters, typically traveling in packs of up to 30 animals but can hunt alone or in pairs when prey is scarce, according to the study.
    Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • Jordan Mason was also acquired in an offseason trade to be the team's backup running back.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
  • The interchange at Route 15 and Interstate 91 sees among the worst backups in the state, in both directions.
    Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • Without an economic reason to sustain wildlife populations, they won’t be conserved long-term through benevolence alone.
    Chris Dorsey, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • Keep up with watering and mulch to help conserve moisture.
    Janet B. Carson, Arkansas Online, 27 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Spare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spare. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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