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sparing

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verb

present participle of spare

Synonym Chooser

How is the word sparing distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of sparing are economical, frugal, and thrifty. While all these words mean "careful in the use of one's money or resources," sparing stresses abstention and restraint.

sparing in the offering of advice

When might economical be a better fit than sparing?

Although the words economical and sparing have much in common, economical stresses prudent management, lack of wastefulness, and use of things to their best advantage.

an economical health-care plan

When can frugal be used instead of sparing?

In some situations, the words frugal and sparing are roughly equivalent. However, frugal implies absence of luxury and simplicity of lifestyle.

ran a frugal household

Where would thrifty be a reasonable alternative to sparing?

While in some cases nearly identical to sparing, thrifty stresses good management and industry.

thrifty use of nonrenewable resources

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 sparing
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
  • Simple and economical solutions do not work without effort.
    Matt Reynolds, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Historically, colcannon provided a sturdy and economical bowl of food.
    Lynda Balslev, The Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In comments at the Morgan Stanley media conference, the Fox CEO was again extremely careful to stress that the goal is not to cannibalize linear television and Fox will not advertise it on linear television but is meant purely to capture those who cut the cord or have never subscribed to cable.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 3 Mar. 2025
  • There’s potential for clarity in resolving any lingering tension, but also be careful not to speak too rashly.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Research on caterpillar venoms is still sparse enough that no new drugs have resulted yet, but venoms of other organisms have yielded some important therapies.
    Bob Holmes, JSTOR Daily, 27 Feb. 2025
  • His words, though often sparse and cryptic, usually mattered more than those of his counterparts, fueling a political mystique of infallibility.
    Megan Crepeau, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • Starmer’s deal would send the island chain to Mauritius, a former British colony and current close ally of China.
    Naomi Lim, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Feb. 2025
  • People who met at book club have gone on to become close friends and even roommates, Mitchell tells Axios.
    Ashley Mahoney, Axios, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The area normally can expect 38.4 inches, according to the National Weather Service. Chicago was warmer than average during the 2023-24 season due to a La Niña climate system, which meant snow was scarce.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Over the last decade, counties where large majorities of residents drink fluoridated water have consistently posted low rates of emergency room visits for dental conditions, especially in comparison to counties where fluoridated water is relatively scarce.
    Cindy Krischer Goodman, Orlando Sentinel, 3 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The museum, which was founded in 2014 with the goal of preserving automotive history, also hosts the Audrain Newport Concours and Motor Week each year.
    Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 24 Dec. 2024
  • Sure, the Russian air force is preserving its planes.
    David Axe, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Shortages of spare parts have shut down half of combat vehicles.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Invariably someone else in a suit—a Wall Street trader or salesman—would offer me a spare ticket.
    Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 26 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sparing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sparing. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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