Definition of stingynext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective stingy contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of stingy are close, miserly, niggardly, parsimonious, and penurious. While all these words mean "being unwilling or showing unwillingness to share with others," stingy implies a marked lack of generosity.

a stingy child, not given to sharing

When could close be used to replace stingy?

The words close and stingy can be used in similar contexts, but close suggests keeping a tight grip on one's money and possessions.

folks who are very close when charity calls

When might miserly be a better fit than stingy?

The words miserly and stingy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, miserly suggests a sordid avariciousness and a morbid pleasure in hoarding.

a miserly couple devoid of social conscience

When is niggardly a more appropriate choice than stingy?

In some situations, the words niggardly and stingy are roughly equivalent. However, niggardly implies giving or spending the very smallest amount possible.

the niggardly amount budgeted for the town library

When would parsimonious be a good substitute for stingy?

While the synonyms parsimonious and stingy are close in meaning, parsimonious suggests a frugality so extreme as to lead to stinginess.

a parsimonious lifestyle notably lacking in luxuries

Where would penurious be a reasonable alternative to stingy?

While in some cases nearly identical to stingy, penurious implies niggardliness that gives an appearance of actual poverty.

the penurious eccentric bequeathed a fortune

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 stingy The Fullerton softball team fell victim to the long ball and a stingy pitcher for Norco in the championship game of the Michelle Carew Classic on Saturday at Peralta Park. Lou Ponsi, Oc Register, 5 Apr. 2026 Then the experimental concept of playing 6-9 Yaxel Lendeborg, 6-10 Morez Johnson and the 7-3 Mara on the floor together suddenly clicked against historically one of the nation’s stingiest defenses, and the Wolverines became an overnight juggernaut. Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026 Arizona led for much of the early minutes, but Purdue’s shot-making and stingy defense flipped game. Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 29 Mar. 2026 Her husband is known as being very stingy toward us. R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 28 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stingy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stingy
Adjective
  • The film is set in Mumbai and built around a miserly protagonist whose circumstances spiral into escalating absurdity.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 Apr. 2026
  • UConn’s offense hasn’t been nearly as prolific, averaging 73.2 points per game, although its D has been downright miserly.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • That’s not just problematic for poorer communities but also for affluent suburbs like Cheshire that get sparse state funding.
    Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 27 Apr. 2026
  • All 12 songs incorporate bells or bell-like instruments into their sparse mixes.
    Billie Bugara, Pitchfork, 26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Should Booker have been more selfish?
    Doug Haller, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Over the years, fans have on social media have called out Nate’s selfish behavior in his relationship with Andy, seemingly upset with her for pursuing a career in fashion.
    Lynette Rice, Deadline, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The sharp debate in Union Park is only the latest in a series of thorny confrontations about how best to manage homelessness in the Central Florida region, where housing costs are high, shelter space is scarce, and residents are concerned about people living in public spaces.
    Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Apr. 2026
  • As costs of both real estate and farming continue to rise, many parcels are vanishing without notice, making wine made from old vines increasingly scarce, especially in Napa.
    Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Cross, 62, portrayed Ian Hawke — a selfish and greedy music executive and the main antagonist — in the first three live-action Alvin and the Chipmunks films (2007, 2009, 2011).
    Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
  • The first time, Julian’s children (James Corden, Jessica Gunning) seemed like miserable, greedy wretches.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Injuries to key players on the Amazin’s contributed to some poor numbers as well.
    Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Although poor students are disproportionately likely to receive special education in New York City, well-off disabled kids are the ones most acutely driving up the budget.
    Marc Novicoff, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Every year, a complacent, tightfisted city council turned down the recommendations.
    Margaret Talbot, The New Yorker, 2 Oct. 2023
  • Kotick played the tightfisted owner of the Oakland A’s.
    Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 31 May 2023
Adjective
  • The financial rewards accrued from streaming and downloading have been parsimonious.
    Thomas Doherty, HollywoodReporter, 28 Feb. 2026
  • Jerry Reinsdorf, who traditionally has been parsimonious with both the Bulls and the ChiSox, isn’t about to kick in another $116 million.
    Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 23 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stingy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stingy. Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.

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