STINGY Synonyms: 157 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'stingy' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of stingy are close , miserly , niggardly , parsimonious , and penurious . While all these words mean "being unwilling or showing unwillingness to share with others," stingy implies a marked lack of generosity. // a stingy child, not given to sharing

Q: When could 'close' be used to replace 'stingy'?

The words close and stingy can be used in similar contexts, but close suggests keeping a tight grip on one's money and possessions. // folks who are very close when charity calls

Q: When might 'miserly' be a better fit than 'stingy'?

The words miserly and stingy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, miserly suggests a sordid avariciousness and a morbid pleasure in hoarding. // a miserly couple devoid of social conscience

Q: When is 'niggardly' a more appropriate choice than 'stingy'?

In some situations, the words niggardly and stingy are roughly equivalent. However, niggardly implies giving or spending the very smallest amount possible. // the niggardly amount budgeted for the town library

Q: When would 'parsimonious' be a good substitute for 'stingy'?

While the synonyms parsimonious and stingy are close in meaning, parsimonious suggests a frugality so extreme as to lead to stinginess. // a parsimonious lifestyle notably lacking in luxuries

Q: Where would 'penurious' be a reasonable alternative to 'stingy'?

While in some cases nearly identical to stingy , penurious implies niggardliness that gives an appearance of actual poverty. // the penurious eccentric bequeathed a fortune

stingy

adjective

ˈstin-jē

Definition of stingy next

as in careful

giving or sharing as little as possible until his redemption, Ebenezer Scrooge is the classic example of a very stingy, heartless miser

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in sparse

less plentiful than what is normal, necessary, or desirable a stingy serving of mashed potatoes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective stingy contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of stingy are close, miserly, niggardly, parsimonious, and penurious. While all these words mean "being unwilling or showing unwillingness to share with others," stingy implies a marked lack of generosity.

a stingy child, not given to sharing

When could close be used to replace stingy?

The words close and stingy can be used in similar contexts, but close suggests keeping a tight grip on one's money and possessions.

folks who are very close when charity calls

When might miserly be a better fit than stingy?

The words miserly and stingy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, miserly suggests a sordid avariciousness and a morbid pleasure in hoarding.

a miserly couple devoid of social conscience

When is niggardly a more appropriate choice than stingy?

In some situations, the words niggardly and stingy are roughly equivalent. However, niggardly implies giving or spending the very smallest amount possible.

the niggardly amount budgeted for the town library

When would parsimonious be a good substitute for stingy?

While the synonyms parsimonious and stingy are close in meaning, parsimonious suggests a frugality so extreme as to lead to stinginess.

a parsimonious lifestyle notably lacking in luxuries

Where would penurious be a reasonable alternative to stingy?

While in some cases nearly identical to stingy, penurious implies niggardliness that gives an appearance of actual poverty.

the penurious eccentric bequeathed a fortune

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 stingy Notre Dame's defense, meanwhile, has been downright stingy, allowing just 125 rushing yards combined in their two playoff games. —

Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025 The 5 most charitable states in America — and the 5 least charitable As giving season is upon us, check out if your home state ranks as stingy or generous Start Slideshow Start Slideshow Giving season is upon us as Americans look to help those in need during the holidays. —

Ben Kesslen, Quartz, 28 Nov. 2024 In the last two seasons, Texas has fielded one of the stingiest defenses in the country. —

Sam Khan Jr., The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025 The Chargers authored the league’s stingiest defense in terms of points allowed (17.7 per game), and the recent return of J.K. Dobbins from a knee injury gives them an explosive option in a backfield that can also grind out tough yardage behind a stout offensive line. —

Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 7 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for stingy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stingy

Adjective

Bass has employed a more careful and conciliatory tone.

— Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 25 Jan. 2025
Leopold cautioned immigrants of any religious, national or ethnic background to be careful traveling.

— Pioneer Press, Chicago Tribune, 25 Jan. 2025