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sparing

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verb

present participle of spare

Synonym Chooser

How is the word sparing distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of sparing are economical, frugal, and thrifty. While all these words mean "careful in the use of one's money or resources," sparing stresses abstention and restraint.

sparing in the offering of advice

When might economical be a better fit than sparing?

Although the words economical and sparing have much in common, economical stresses prudent management, lack of wastefulness, and use of things to their best advantage.

an economical health-care plan

When can frugal be used instead of sparing?

In some situations, the words frugal and sparing are roughly equivalent. However, frugal implies absence of luxury and simplicity of lifestyle.

ran a frugal household

Where would thrifty be a reasonable alternative to sparing?

While in some cases nearly identical to sparing, thrifty stresses good management and industry.

thrifty use of nonrenewable resources

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 sparing
Adjective
But the smile is now more sparing, at least on camera. Longreads, 19 Dec. 2024 Mercy for violence, however, remained more sparing. New York Times, 17 Nov. 2021
Verb
Today, many women are offered drugs designed to target specific cancer cell mutations, sparing them unnecessary toxicity. Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 21 Oct. 2025 Gage writes with the style of a young person — with the benefit of hindsight, growth and a now-booming Hollywood career — attempting to find meaning and message in a profoundly complicated early life, without sparing a single devastating or delightful detail. Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Oct. 2025 For those looking to keep their jewelry a bit more lowkey in the size department, huggie earrings present the ideal opportunity for playing with pearls and sparing your lobes from unwanted sagging. Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2025 Those on potassium-sparing medications or ACE inhibitors should also monitor overall intake. Daryl Austin, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025 Advertisement House Speaker Mike Johnson is not calling back his Republican members this week, sparing them from the uncomfortable questions in hallways at the Capitol. Phil Elliott, Time, 8 Oct. 2025 Every day, your immune system performs a delicate balancing act, defending you from thousands of pathogens that cause disease while sparing your body’s own healthy cells. Aimee Pugh Bernard, The Conversation, 6 Oct. 2025 Prosecutor Christy Slavik told the judge that sparing Combs serious prison time would excuse years of violence. Jennifer Peltz, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025 Meanwhile Jack Ciattarelli continues to rake in cash from billionaire landlords while his running mate wants to raise taxes on working New Jerseyans while sparing the ultra-wealthy. Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sparing
Adjective
  • As for grunt, Big Naan is equipped with two 742 kW Caterpillar C32 ACERT engines that enable a top speed of over 14 knots, a cruising speed of 12 knots, and a range exceeding 5,500 nautical miles at an economical speed of 10 knots.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 27 Oct. 2025
  • But protein powder is often more economical, not to mention ecological, than pre-mixed drinks.
    Adam Campbell-Schmitt, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Those same records also showed that the only other purchases of BAM in the state of Colorado had been from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife agency and the National Parks Service — both of which maintained careful records of any use of the drug, per the indictment.
    Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The musician wore a matching navy jacket and knee-length skirt with sparse pleats; the unique layering of a colorful, patterned scarf, light blue collared shirt and gray V-neck sweater accented the navy set.
    Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 30 Oct. 2025
  • However, research on the subject is fairly sparse.
    Kristen Fischer, Health, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Practicing sustainable energy-conserving habits is key to proper energy hygiene.
    Big Think, Big Think, 28 Oct. 2025
  • The IoT has opened new possibilities in healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, and agriculture such as connected tractors and soil sensors that enable smart farming, boosting yields while conserving resources.
    Mallik Tatipamula, IEEE Spectrum, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Officers performed life-saving measures on Green before he was pronounced dead on location, Hoskin said.
    Perry Vandell, AZCentral.com, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Tyrod Taylor’s not saving the season anymore than Quinn Ewers is saving the show in Miami.
    Jeff Howe, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Even as American political polarization has intensified over the last eight years, both Republicans and Democrats have agreed that an increasingly powerful Beijing poses an economic, technological, and security threat to Washington and its close allies.
    Mira Rapp-Hooper, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2025
  • On the series, JD and Michelle have grown closer, but in real life, Todd is married to Jordan Wilcox Lasance.
    Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • At the same time, live sports are no longer scarce.
    Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 27 Oct. 2025
  • When food is scarce, Edge said deer turn to berries from evergreen species like juniper.
    Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The property also hosts weddings, conferences and events, and is now managed by a nonprofit board dedicated to preserving the historic campus.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Not to mention preserving summer produce as pepper vinegar, pickled okra, or homemade jams to enjoy throughout the year.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sparing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sparing. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.

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