Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective sparse differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of sparse are meager, scanty, scant, skimpy, and spare. While all these words mean "falling short of what is normal, necessary, or desirable," sparse implies a thin scattering of units.

a sparse population

When might meager be a better fit than sparse?

Although the words meager and sparse have much in common, meager implies the absence of elements, qualities, or numbers necessary to a thing's richness, substance, or potency.

a meager portion of meat

In what contexts can scant take the place of sparse?

The words scant and sparse are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 is it sensible to use scanty instead of sparse?

While in some cases nearly identical to sparse, scanty stresses insufficiency in amount, quantity, or extent.

supplies too scanty to last the winter

When could skimpy be used to replace sparse?

The meanings of skimpy and sparse largely overlap; however, skimpy usually suggests niggardliness or penury as the cause of the deficiency.

tacky housing developments on skimpy lots

Where would spare be a reasonable alternative to sparse?

In some situations, the words spare and sparse are roughly equivalent. However, spare may suggest a slight falling short of adequacy or merely an absence of superfluity.

a spare, concise style of writing

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 sparse Importantly, this new facility provides transportation for low-income residents, addressing a common barrier to accessing care in sparse rural areas. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025 However, while qualitative data such as number of applicants and acceptance rates may be sparse, expect top schools to highlight qualitative data about the diversity—particularly the socioeconomic diversity—of their incoming classes. Christopher Rim, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025 Historical records showed that four Native American students were reported to have died while attending the school, but the records are sparse with some believing there are likely other unreported deaths and unmarked graves. Taylor O’Connor, Kansas City Star, 18 Mar. 2025 Sweet gum grows 60-75 feet tall and is hardy in Zones 5-9. 06 of 07 Tulip Tree Tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) roots are fleshy and sparse. Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sparse

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sparse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sparse. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sparse

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!