sparingly

American

[spair-ing-lee] / ˈspɛər ɪŋ li /

adverb

in an economical or limited way.

Nutritionists recommend eating fats sparingly.

Other Word Forms

oversparingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of sparingly

sparing ( def. ) + -ly

Vocabulary lists containing sparingly

George Martin (1926-2016) Tribute List

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The Swiss National Bank’s scope to weaken the franc is also limited as its policy rate is already at zero and forex interventions are likely to be used sparingly, she said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 2, 2026

Trump is mentioned sparingly, and sometimes only in absentia.

From Slate • Feb. 25, 2026

Her husband Donald Trump appears sparingly, emerging at key events and in a handful of private moments to praise her.

From BBC • Jan. 30, 2026

Consumers have also shown signs of using the paper towels, shampoo and other essentials they do buy more sparingly to conserve supplies.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 28, 2026

I would have to drink sparingly; the water would have to last until I came to another stream or creek outside the valley.

From "Z for Zachariah" by Robert C. O’Brien

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023