MEAGER Synonyms: 70 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'meager' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of meager are scanty , scant , skimpy , spare , and sparse . While all these words mean "falling short of what is normal, necessary, or desirable," meager implies the absence of elements, qualities, or numbers necessary to a thing's richness, substance, or potency. // a meager portion of meat

Q: When is 'scant' a more appropriate choice than 'meager'?

The synonyms scant and meager are sometimes interchangeable, but scant suggests a falling short of what is desired or desirable rather than of what is essential. // in January the daylight hours are scant

Q: When would 'scanty' be a good substitute for 'meager'?

The words scanty and meager can be used in similar contexts, but scanty stresses insufficiency in amount, quantity, or extent. // supplies too scanty to last the winter

Q: When can 'skimpy' be used instead of 'meager'?

While in some cases nearly identical to meager , skimpy usually suggests niggardliness or penury as the cause of the deficiency. // tacky housing developments on skimpy lots

Q: When might 'spare' be a better fit than 'meager'?

The meanings of spare and meager largely overlap; however, spare may suggest a slight falling short of adequacy or merely an absence of superfluity. // a spare , concise style of writing

Q: In what contexts can 'sparse' take the place of 'meager'?

The words sparse and meager are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sparse implies a thin scattering of units. // a sparse population

meager

adjective

ˈmē-gər

variants or meagre

Definition of meager next

as in sparse

less plentiful than what is normal, necessary, or desirable ever since he started the diet, his dinners have been more meager than he would like

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How does the adjective meager differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of meager are scanty, scant, skimpy, spare, and sparse. While all these words mean "falling short of what is normal, necessary, or desirable," meager implies the absence of elements, qualities, or numbers necessary to a thing's richness, substance, or potency.

a meager portion of meat

When is scant a more appropriate choice than meager?

The synonyms scant and meager are sometimes interchangeable, but scant suggests a falling short of what is desired or desirable rather than of what is essential.

in January the daylight hours are scant

When would scanty be a good substitute for meager?

The words scanty and meager can be used in similar contexts, but scanty stresses insufficiency in amount, quantity, or extent.

supplies too scanty to last the winter

When can skimpy be used instead of meager?

While in some cases nearly identical to meager, skimpy usually suggests niggardliness or penury as the cause of the deficiency.

tacky housing developments on skimpy lots

When might spare be a better fit than meager?

The meanings of spare and meager largely overlap; however, spare may suggest a slight falling short of adequacy or merely an absence of superfluity.

a spare, concise style of writing

In what contexts can sparse take the place of meager?

The words sparse and meager are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sparse implies a thin scattering of units.

a sparse population

Examples 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 meager Invest in a low profile pot rack that’s flush to the wall Forget those hanging pot racks that cut into your already meager standing room. —

Alex Ronan, Architectural Digest, 18 Dec. 2024 The big picture: While President-elect Trump has widely targeted President Biden's climate initiatives, his top energy advisers may be inclined to not only spare geothermal but also bolster its relatively meager aid. —

Daniel Moore, Axios, 16 Dec. 2024 By Brett Knight, Forbes Staff After racing to the most dominant season in Formula 1 history in 2023, with 19 wins in 22 Grand Prix races, Max Verstappen faced a much stiffer challenge this year, capturing the drivers’ championship by a relatively meager 63 points in the standings. —

Brett Knight, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024 Still, even with the share increases, its market value stood at a relatively meager $69 million as of early Wednesday afternoon. —

Rob Wile, NBC News, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for meager

Recent Examples of Synonyms for meager

Adjective

While Trump's trial and arraignment brought crowds and overnight lines, on Friday morning, the general public line was sparse and no onlookers in the park across the street were visible before dawn.

Graham Kates, CBS News, 10 Jan. 2025
But in the area between the innermost and outer walls, finds are sparse.

Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 9 Jan. 2025