sparing

[ spair-ing ]

adjective

1. economical (often followed by in or of ).

   Synonyms: penurious, saving, frugal

2. lenient or merciful.
3. scanty; limited.

   Synonyms: sparse, meager

sparing

/ ˈspɛərɪŋ /

adjective

1. sometimes foll bywith or of economical or frugal (with)
2. scanty; meagre
3. merciful or lenient

Derived Forms

• ˈsparingness, noun
• ˈsparingly, adverb

Other Words From

• spar·ing·ly adverb
• spar·ing·ness noun
• non·spar·ing adjective
• o·ver·spar·ing adjective
• o·ver·spar·ing·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sparing¹

A Middle English word dating back to 1325–75; spare, -ing ²

Example Sentences

Beat the Republic Of Ireland and they will be back in the top tier, sparing Tuchel the possibility of a play-off in March.

From BBC

The drug ATT001, which is given weekly for four to six weeks, is potent over short distances, causing lethal damage to cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue.

From BBC

A deluge of water struck the city with an estimated force of 24 million tonnes, sparing no one.

From BBC

With the electronic labels, employees can update prices on products in a few clicks, sparing them the time-consuming task of making printed labels and putting them in place, retailers say.

From Los Angeles Times

He ran against the Washington swamp and everyone in it, sparing neither party’s elites in the process.

From Los Angeles Times