SPARINGLY Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

sparingly

adverb

Definition of sparingly

as in poorly

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 Open Shelving Install open shelving sparingly, advises interior designer Rebekah Murphy. — Kristin Hohenadel, The Spruce, 2 Sep. 2026 But there was a time when comic-book heroes appeared on movie screens only sparingly — particularly between the waning days of old serials and the premiere of Superman in 1978. — Jesse Hassenger, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Aug. 2026 He was sidelined much of his rookie season because of a shoulder injury, and was subsequently used sparingly the next three seasons. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026 Moving peonies can set their growth back by as much as two to three years while the root system resets, so transplant sparingly. — Blythe Copeland, Martha Stewart, 26 Aug. 2026 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 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sparingly

Adverb

If Michigan plays poorly against the Sooners, the boos that rang out during Whittingham’s first game will get even louder.

— Austin Meek, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
With only two publicly demonstrated ready-to-fire missiles, a vehicle like this would be poorly suited to independently handle a large drone swarm.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of poorly

Adverb

Former Arsenal centre-back Takehiro Tomiyasu joined on a one-year contract to provide quality cover cheaply, but also as a utility player with the option to potentially use him across the back line.

— Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Technological advances have already made drones cheaply and readily available for purchase, with longer ranges, higher payloads, and an improved ability to evade electronic warfare.

— Seth G. Jones, Foreign Affairs, 3 Sep. 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

There are other factors that effect children in these communities, but the evidence suggests that having an involved father can be an important protective factor that improves a child's chances of succeeding academically, economically and socially.

— Jon Root OutKick, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
But the league is also going through a massive sea change right now, both economically and in the mindset of its player base.

— James Mirtle, New York Times, 4 Sep. 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

Browse Nearby Words

sparing

sparingly

spark

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Sparingly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sparingly. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of sparingly

adverb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

hobnob

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Words from the 'Odyssey'

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Popular

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Games & Quizzes