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 Cyclones took out the tournament’s top spender, Kentucky, with relative ease in the second round, but Iowa State is the stingiest program remaining. Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 26 Mar. 2026 The Panthers' stingy defense hung in against the Big East champions' vibrant offense, but Ejiofor and the Johnnies have resembled a national title contender since shortly after the calendar flipped to 2026. CBS News, 21 Mar. 2026 The Panthers' stingy defense hung in against the Big East champions' vibrant offense, but Ejiofor and the Johnnies have resembled a national title contender since shortly after the calendar flipped to 2026. ABC News, 20 Mar. 2026 The byproduct of that is the state’s last unbeaten record and its stingiest defense. Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 14 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stingy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stingy
Adjective
  • Como had been neck-and-neck with Roma’s miserly backline before shipping four at Inter last Saturday, a chastening defeat that ended an unbeaten run stretching back to the end of August.
    Jack Bantock, New York Times, 12 Dec. 2025
  • In this version, miserly Madame Eleanor is visited by the ghost former business partner Jacob Marley as well as a few other apparitions.
    Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 26 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The no-fuss interior is pretty sparse, bar a handful of tables and small wine cabinet.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
  • But as space continues to expand today, and matter becomes sparser, the universe is looking increasingly like de Sitter space again.
    Shalma Wegsman, Quanta Magazine, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Nevertheless, driving under the influence is a selfish and serious act.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Prioritizing your own physical and mental health isn’t selfish.
    Team Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • When workers are scarce, firms have to offer higher wages to attract and keep them.
    John Cassidy, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
  • Underwater Caves Hold More Than Human Remains Around the time this individual was alive, the Yucatán Peninsula was a semi-arid savannah with no rivers or lakes — water and shade were scarce.
    Ryan Brennan April 4, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Some greedy and power-hungry people don’t like it.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
  • The invader is a skillful art restorer, Lori Butler (Michaela Coel), who’s been hired by Julian’s greedy children, Barnaby (James Corden) and Sallie (Jessica Gunning), to work, or pose, as their father’s new assistant.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Serious Medical and Emotional Neglect Turner said Kaiko arrived in poor health, suffering from multiple medical issues and signs of prolonged neglect.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The city of Plano scores restaurants on a 100-point system, with 100 considered a perfect score and 70 extremely poor.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Mar. 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 6 Apr. 2026.

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