SPARSE Synonyms: 71 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

sparse

adjective

ˈspärs

Definition of sparse next

as in scarce

less plentiful than what is normal, necessary, or desirable open land is sparse around here

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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

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of sparse The episode was quickly resolved by the market's supervisor who had given the team permission to document the sparse offerings on sale. —

Michael Robinson Chávez, NPR, 7 Dec. 2024 Inside, doctors expressed to her confusion about Warwick’s diagnosis and sparse medical record. —

J. David McSwane, ProPublica, 7 Dec. 2024 Through his lens, the sparse sets of headlights on the road below would melt into a river of light: the road erased, a wildness restored. —

Andrew Aoyama, The Atlantic, 26 Nov. 2024 Brazil One of the most startling revelations that comes out of a search for LGBTQ+ friendly travel destinations is the sparse inclusion of a country like Brazil. —

Charlie Hobbs, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sparse