SPARINGLY Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

sparingly

adverb

Definition of sparingly

as in poorly

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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 sparingly Beckham, Slayton and Austin then played Saturday’s game against Miami, with Slayton and Austin starting ahead of OBJ alongside the rookie Fields, who played sparingly. — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 24 Aug. 2026 Chrome is still a reigning trend, but this season, it’s being used sparingly, on accent nails or in lacy floral designs, rather than topping every nail. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 22 Aug. 2026 Virginia will go from Morris (a 3,000-yard passer) to either Beau Primula (played sparingly at Penn State and started at Missouri) or Eli Holstein (lost his starting job at Pittsburgh). — Bob Ferrante, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Aug. 2026 Williams played sparingly as a freshman after spitting the bit at Louisville in the opener. — Pete Sampson, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026 Cilanto is the name of the Clifton Utility’s launch colorway, and the namesake hue appears only sparingly through the outsole, insole and lateral Hoka branding. — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026 Luiz was used sparingly off the bench for Olympiacos and never seemed to fit stylistically. — Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 18 Aug. 2026 But Jackson has played sparingly of late, getting just one at-bat this month. — Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 14 Aug. 2026 Undiluted apple cider vinegar has a strong odor, so it should be used sparingly. — Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sparingly

Adverb

As poorly as the Carolina Panthers’ offense looked during Wednesday’s joint practice with the Houston Texans, Bryce Young took some solace in the fact that the performance came in a practice setting.

— Joseph Person, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Sumrall’s team doesn’t have to be perfect, just can’t look undiscplined and poorly coached.

— Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of poorly

Adverb

Indonesian police have arrested 72 people suspected of deliberately setting forest and peatland fires to clear land cheaply, as investigators probe whether plantation companies financed the fires.

— Niniek Karmini, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026
Before permanently transforming parts of Times Square into pedestrian plazas, New York tested the idea relatively cheaply.

— Jen Fuller, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of cheaply

Adverb

The family lived frugally, Ferguson said, since Good’s partner sold a company and didn’t work as Good attended graduate school online.

— PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2026
Perdue has lived a double life—having access to immense privilege and money from two business empires, while holding down a regular job and living frugally.

— Preston Fore, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2025

Definition of frugally

Adverb

Johnson County, with Iowa City and its teeming suburbs, and Scott County's economically diverse cities of Davenport and Bettendorf help make the district among the most competitive in the country.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
Beijing has moved to insulate itself economically, slashing crude imports nearly 50% since the war started, according to The Wall Street Journal, and bolstering domestic energy.

— Lauren Morganbesser, semafor.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of economically

Adverb

As air conditioning breakdowns grow more common and repair companies face packed schedules, many homeowners are eager to get their cooling restored as quickly — and as inexpensively — as possible.

— Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 31 July 2026
While secondary payloads can fly with many launch providers, none offer transportation as frequently or inexpensively as SpaceX rideshare.

— Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 26 June 2026

Definition of inexpensively

Adverb

Limón would like to see the state stop subsidizing corporations who pay so meagerly that their employees qualify for Medi-Cal.

— Anita Chabria, Mercury News, 3 June 2026
When opportunities arise, whether lowly paid or not, we’re often left with no other choice than to take the role that pays meagerly.

— Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 1 Sep. 2025

Definition of meagerly

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sparing

sparingly

spark

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“Sparingly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sparingly. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of sparingly

adverb

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