Dictionary
sparing
adjective
: not using or giving a lot of something
Full Definition of SPARING
1
: marked by or practicing careful restraint (as in the use of resources)
See sparing defined for English-language learners
See sparing defined for kids
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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>.
SPARINGLY Defined for Kids
sparing
adjective spar·ing \ˈsper-iŋ\
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.>
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