unsparing

adjective

un·​spar·​ing ˌən-ˈsper-iŋ How to pronounce unsparing (audio)
Synonyms of unsparing
1
: not merciful or forbearing : hard, ruthless
an unsparing satire
an unsparing critic
2
: not frugal : liberal, profuse
unsparing generosity
unsparingly
ˌən-ˈsper-iŋ-lē How to pronounce unsparing (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of unsparing

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Examples of unsparing in a Sentence

neighbors were unsparing in their charity when a local family was rendered homeless by a fire unsparing in his criticism of the welfare state
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The boy on the ground is Thomas Cromwell, who will one day be Lord Privy Seal and the unsparing architect of the English Reformation. — Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2026 Saft was equally unsparing about the underlying assessment math, which values co-ops and condominiums differently than houses. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 11 Aug. 2026 Analysts were unsparing in their assessment of McDonald’s newfound troubles. — Rob Wile, NBC news, 4 Aug. 2026 Last week, when Syracuse’s local ABC affiliate reported that the city would be ending its partnership with Flock and signing a new agreement with Axon, the response was unsparing. — T.m. Brown, CNN Money, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for unsparing

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unsparing was circa 1586

Rhymes for unsparing

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Browse Nearby Words

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unsparing
unsparingly
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Cite this Entry

“Unsparing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsparing. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unsparing

adjective
un·​spar·​ing ˌən-ˈspa(ə)r-iŋ How to pronounce unsparing (audio)
-ˈspe(ə)r-, 
ˈən-
1
: not merciful or forgiving : hard, ruthless
unsparing attacks
2
: not stingy : liberal
unsparing in their gifts to charity
unsparingly adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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