SPARING Synonyms: 197 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'sparing' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of sparing are economical , frugal , and thrifty . While all these words mean "careful in the use of one's money or resources," sparing stresses abstention and restraint. // sparing in the offering of advice

Q: When might 'economical' be a better fit than 'sparing'?

Although the words economical and sparing have much in common, economical stresses prudent management, lack of wastefulness, and use of things to their best advantage. // an economical health-care plan

Q: When can 'frugal' be used instead of 'sparing'?

In some situations, the words frugal and sparing are roughly equivalent. However, frugal implies absence of luxury and simplicity of lifestyle. // ran a frugal household

Q: Where would 'thrifty' be a reasonable alternative to 'sparing'?

While in some cases nearly identical to sparing , thrifty stresses good management and industry. // thrifty use of nonrenewable resources

sparing 1 of 2

adjective

ˈsper-iŋ

Definition of sparing next

as in economical

careful in the management of money or resources a sparing couple who are trying to save up enough for a house

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in careful

giving or sharing as little as possible a government agency that has always been sparing of public information

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in sparse

less plentiful than what is normal, necessary, or desirable unfortunately, the explanation of the health insurance plan was somewhat sparing on details

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sparing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of spare

as in conserving

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in saving

to avoid unnecessary waste or expense she had grown up during the Great Depression, so she was no stranger to sparing

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word sparing distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of sparing are economical, frugal, and thrifty. While all these words mean "careful in the use of one's money or resources," sparing stresses abstention and restraint.

sparing in the offering of advice

When might economical be a better fit than sparing?

Although the words economical and sparing have much in common, economical stresses prudent management, lack of wastefulness, and use of things to their best advantage.

an economical health-care plan

When can frugal be used instead of sparing?

In some situations, the words frugal and sparing are roughly equivalent. However, frugal implies absence of luxury and simplicity of lifestyle.

ran a frugal household

Where would thrifty be a reasonable alternative to sparing?

While in some cases nearly identical to sparing, thrifty stresses good management and industry.

thrifty use of nonrenewable resources

Examples of sparing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Mercy for violence, however, remained more sparing. —

New York Times, 17 Nov. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sparing.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.