sparing

1 of 2

adjective

spar·​ing ˈsper-iŋ How to pronounce sparing (audio)
Synonyms of sparingnext
1
: marked by or practicing careful restraint (as in the use of resources)
2
: meager, bare
the map is sparing of information
sparingly adverb

sparing

2 of 2

present participle of spare entry 2

Synonyms of sparing

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Adjective

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sparing, frugal, thrifty, economical mean careful in the use of one's money or resources.

sparing stresses abstention and restraint.

sparing in the offering of advice

frugal implies absence of luxury and simplicity of lifestyle.

ran a frugal household

thrifty stresses good management and industry.

thrifty use of nonrenewable resources

economical stresses prudent management, lack of wastefulness, and use of things to their best advantage.

an economical health care plan

Examples of sparing in a Sentence

Adjective a sparing couple who are trying to save up enough for a house a government agency that has always been sparing of public information
Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
In other cases, the redactions were more sparing. — Joe Walsh, CBS News, 19 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sparing was in the 14th century

Rhymes for sparing

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Browse Nearby Words

Sparidae
sparing
sparingly
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Cite this Entry

“Sparing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sparing. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sparing

adjective
spar·​ing
ˈspa(ə)r-iŋ, 
ˈspe(ə)r-
: careful in the use of money or supplies
sparingly
-iŋ-lē
adverb
Last Updated: - Definition revised
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