SPARINGLY Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

sparingly

adverb

Definition of sparingly

as in poorly

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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 Meat shows up sparingly, used as a celebratory food, a small side or a way to flavor dishes. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026 Flashlights should be used sparingly, so as not to disrupt them. — Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026 In other words, with weaker economic growth (and the greater need to use every asset sparingly), CEOs still focus on accumulating and multiplying profits. — Oleksandr Strozhemin, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 To avoid residue, use sparingly, rinse thoroughly, and spot-test surfaces first before cleaning. — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 1 July 2026 The pros who develop these products tend to use them sparingly. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2026 The tie-up with Reebok is a milestone moment for Celine, a brand that only sparingly engages in collaborations. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 29 June 2026 Washington played sparingly for the Hurricanes, playing in 14 games (primarily on special teams) in three seasons. — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 29 June 2026 Used sparingly, this silky loose formula sets concealer without emphasizing fine lines, helping the skin look smoother and more even as makeup wears. — Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 25 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sparingly

Adverb

The suggestion that Pebley’s removal was a sign that the team is performing poorly didn’t sit well with coach Lynne Roberts.

— Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026
The opposite is true in communities that score poorly, Volpe said.

— Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 14 July 2026

Definition of poorly

Adverb

Bank of America Analyst Justin Post applauded Meta’s chip plans, writing in a note that the company may have found a way to build or operate its AI infrastructure much more cheaply than Wall Street expected.

— Ty Roush, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Such extensive reuse has allowed SpaceX to fly more cheaply and efficiently than its competitors and dominate the launch market — something that China is working hard to emulate.

— Mike Wall, Space.com, 10 July 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

Man oppressed woman legally, economically, socially, educationally, morally, professionally and religiously.

— Brian DeLay, Mercury News, 4 July 2026
That was not enough for investors worried about free cash flow and Meta’s reliance on a narrow, economically sensitive revenue stream.

— Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 3 July 2026

Definition of economically

Adverb

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
To this new arena of few big, let alone original, hits; to a place where expensive corporatized storytelling could hold no candle to the quick-turn, inexpensively made short videos young people watched or the quick-turn, inexpensively made long podcasts older people listened to.

— Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 12 Dec. 2025

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 18 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of sparingly

adverb

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