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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 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 sparing

Adjective

But the smile is now more sparing, at least on camera. —

Longreads, 19 Dec. 2024 Mercy for violence, however, remained more sparing. —

New York Times, 17 Nov. 2021

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sparing

Adjective

Signed to an economical three-year $15 million contract in 2023, Richards is in the second season of his contract and his 2025-26 salary is non-guaranteed, not becoming fully guaranteed until June 29 if he’s not waived by then.

— Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 16 Jan. 2025
The Shroom coffee comes pre-ground for drip brewing or pour-over, and is also one of the most economical, as it can be purchased in a variety of sizes, from four ounces packages up to five-pound bags, the latter of which only costs 97¢ per ounce.

— Adam Campbell-Schmitt, Bon Appétit, 8 Jan. 2025