spare 1 of 3

1
as in to scant
to use or give out in stingy amounts I'll have a banana split—and don't spare the whipped cream

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2

spare

2 of 3

adjective

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spare

3 of 3

noun

as in backup
an interchangeable part or piece of equipment that is kept on hand for replacement of an original we promptly replaced the burnt-out lightbulb with a spare

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective spare contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of spare are gaunt, lanky, lank, lean, rawboned, scrawny, and skinny. While all these words mean "thin because of an absence of excess flesh," spare suggests leanness from abstemious living or constant exercise.

the gymnast's spare figure

When could gaunt be used to replace spare?

The words gaunt and spare are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, gaunt implies marked thinness or emaciation as from overwork or suffering.

a prisoner's gaunt face

When is lank a more appropriate choice than spare?

The meanings of lank and spare largely overlap; however, lank implies tallness as well as leanness.

the lank legs of the heron

When is it sensible to use lanky instead of spare?

In some situations, the words lanky and spare are roughly equivalent. However, lanky suggests awkwardness and loose-jointedness as well as thinness.

a lanky youth, all arms and legs

When can lean be used instead of spare?

The synonyms lean and spare are sometimes interchangeable, but lean stresses lack of fat and of curving contours.

a lean racehorse

When would rawboned be a good substitute for spare?

The words rawboned and spare can be used in similar contexts, but rawboned suggests a large ungainly build without implying undernourishment.

a rawboned farmer

How do scrawny and skinny relate to one another, in the sense of spare?

Both scrawny and skinny imply an extreme leanness that suggests deficient strength and vitality.

a scrawny chicken
skinny street urchins

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 spare
Verb
Her apartment complex was spared from the destruction of the Eaton fire. Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2025 Nix’s arrival in Denver has spared us all the sad reality show of veteran quarterbacks trying to find new homes. Troy Renck, The Denver Post, 22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
Advantages and Implications for the Maritime Industry One of the most immediate benefits of this technology is the reduction in lead times for critical spare parts. Michael Molitch-Hou, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025 Cuba blames its economic woes on a Cold War-era U.S. trade embargo, a web of laws and regulations that complicate financial transactions and the acquisition of essentials like fuel and spare parts. Fox News, 15 Mar. 2025
Noun
That the services will occur on Mr. Biden’s watch during his final days in office spares at least some awkward moments and decisions, since he and not Mr. Trump will be the sitting president at the time of the service. Peter Baker, New York Times, 30 Dec. 2024 Carry a basic tool kit with useful spares and don't be shy about getting your hands dirty! New Atlas, 24 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for spare
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spare
Verb
  • By scanting this complexity, Remnick leaves readers with a less than totally satisfying depiction of Obama's encounter with the world of black Chicago.
    Walter Russell Mead, Foreign Affairs, 1 July 2010
  • Trump captured attention his first time around, in part, by talking about issues that other candidates scanted: the threat of China, chaos at the southern border.
    NR Editors, National Review, 22 Dec. 2023
Verb
  • There's no one at home to keep comfortable, and lowering the temperature in winter or increasing it in summer will save real money on your utility bills.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 17 Mar. 2025
  • An autosave feature would be helpful for the future since most people assume programs automatically save their work.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 17 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Everything had a little something extra at her events.
    Gillian Telling, People.com, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Utah was leading 3-2 with under two minutes to play when the Sabres pulled their goalie for an extra attacker.
    Matthew Fairburn, The Athletic, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Since then, Vance has been more careful not to deviate publicly from the president's policy position.
    Hannah Demissie, ABC News, 26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Luckily, there are tons of affordable products that’ll assist you with that thin French tip.
    Kleigh Balugo, StyleCaster, 26 Mar. 2025
  • The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Details of who makes up the DOGE staff have been scarce despite the intense media attention on the team's efforts.
    Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2025
  • As a rule, if rain is scarce, a crepe myrtle needs two to three gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter per week.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 26 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Trevino, 32, was the backup to Austin Wells last season in New York and an All-Star in 2022.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025
  • As far as backups, this opens the door for either Griffin Conine or Heriberto Hernandez to crack the Opening Day roster.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 15 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • This can help align incentives and conserve precious capital.
    Joseph Edgar, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Americans in New Jersey and Delaware have been urged to conserve water amid drought conditions and wildfires.
    Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Spare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spare. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

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