Sparing | Definition of sparing by Merriam-Webster

Full Definition of SPARING

1

: marked by or practicing careful restraint (as in the use of resources)

2

: meager, bare <the map is sparing of information>

— spar·ing·ly adverb

See sparing defined for English-language learners

See sparing defined for kids

First Known Use of SPARING

14th century

Related to SPARING

Synonyms: economical, economizing, provident, scrimping, frugal, thrifty

Antonyms: prodigal, profligate, spendthrift, squandering, thriftless, unthrifty, wasteful

Synonym Discussion of SPARING

sparing, frugal, thrifty, economical mean careful in the use of one's money or resources. sparing stresses abstention and restraint <sparing in the offering of advice>. frugal implies absence of luxury and simplicity of lifestyle <ran a frugal household>. thrifty stresses good management and industry <thrifty use of nonrenewable resources>. economical stresses prudent management, lack of wastefulness, and use of things to their best advantage <an economical health-care plan>.

Rhymes with SPARING

airing, bearing, Bering, daring, fairing, flaring, glaring, herring, paring, tearing, wearing

Definition of SPARING for Kids

: careful in the use of money or supplies <I've been sparing with the cornmeal, but it's almost gone … — Laura Ingalls Wilder, Little House on the Prairie> <The campers were sparing with the matches.>

— spar·ing·ly adverb <She used her savings sparingly.>

Learn More About SPARING

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "sparing"

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "sparing"

Nglish: Translation of "sparing" for Spanish speakers

Britannica English: Translation of "sparing" for Arabic speakers

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