1
as in economical
careful in the management of money or resources
a sparing couple who are trying to save up enough for a house
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in careful
giving or sharing as little as possible
a government agency that has always been sparing of public information
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in sparse
less plentiful than what is normal, necessary, or desirable
unfortunately, the explanation of the health insurance plan was somewhat sparing on details
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in conserving
to use or give out in stingy amounts
I'll have a banana split—and don't spare the whipped cream
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in saving
to avoid unnecessary waste or expense
she had grown up during the Great Depression, so she was no stranger to sparing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sparing
Longreads, 19 Dec. 2024
Mercy for violence, however, remained more sparing.
—New York Times, 17 Nov. 2021
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sparing
Adjective
-
Your decisions should be based on the best, most economical way of going forward based on a lot of different scenarios, a wide range of scenarios.—
Tax Notes Staff,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
-
Apple products are typically expensive endeavors, but in this case, the Magic Mouse is actually the most economical option.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
19 May 2025
Adjective
-
Hillman and the department urged residents in the area to be extra careful this time of year.—
Brooke Baitinger,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 May 2025
-
The review process is careful for a reason – and perhaps the only real method of speeding it up is the one Zeldin has proposed: reassigning staff so there are more people to share the work.—
Jeffrey Gore,
The Conversation,
14 May 2025
Adjective
-
The production must be sparse, so the vocal isn’t overpowered.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
11 May 2025
-
Reversing these trends is difficult, especially since data is sparse on species declines, which is key to getting them legal protections.—
Katarina Zimmer,
Smithsonian Magazine,
9 May 2025
Verb
-
In 1980, voters overwhelmingly chose Reagan’s sunny optimism over Carter’s gloomy warnings about cutting back and conserving.—
Leonard Greene,
New York Daily News,
30 Dec. 2024
-
Addressing these inefficiencies through sustainable practices, energy-efficient technologies, energy audits and waste-to-energy solutions is crucial to reducing the global carbon footprint, conserving resources, and mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.—
Dianne Plummer,
Forbes,
30 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
However, research into the health benefits of the tart – also known as the sour, dwarf and, in the US, the Montmorency – cherry has produced some interesting results that warrant a closer look.—
Bronwyn Thompson,
New Atlas,
11 May 2025
-
Ivanka Trump may live among us in Miami Beach, but don’t get too close.—
Madeleine Marr,
The Orlando Sentinel,
11 May 2025
Adjective
-
These alliances are particularly beneficial for smaller organizations that stand to gain from pooled resources or those in regions where talent is scarce but demand for specialized staff is high.—
Randy Wong,
Forbes.com,
14 May 2025
-
Ahead of Pink Elephant, the Montreal collective known for its insistent politics and uplifting lyricism was scarce and guarded in its direct communications.—
Craig Jenkins,
Vulture,
13 May 2025
Verb
-
Turkey has emerged as a key broker in the Black Sea region, preserving relations with both Ukraine and Russia.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
12 Apr. 2025
-
A day—or week—of being surrounded by flowering, textural plants while doing good for the future by preserving the past provides lasting benefits and more fragrant spaces for all.—
Jennifer Prince,
Southern Living,
12 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Attach a tracker to your keys, or even bring a spare set from home to ensure you won’t get locked out of your car.—
Grace Harrington,
People.com,
12 May 2025
-
Stock the Linen Cabinet and Bathroom Any weekend guests will likely need access to the essential bed and bath linens, along with a few extras (two sets of towels, extra pillows, and a spare blanket).—
Lauren Thomann,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sparing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sparing. Accessed 23 May. 2025.
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