sparing

[spair-ing]

adjective

1. economical (often followed by in orof ).

   Synonyms: penurious, saving, frugal

2. lenient or merciful.

3. scanty; limited.

   Synonyms: sparse, meager

sparing

/ ˈspɛərɪŋ /

adjective

1. economical or frugal (with)

2. scanty; meagre

3. merciful or lenient

Other Word Forms

• sparingness noun
• sparingly adverb
• nonsparing adjective
• oversparing adjective
• oversparingness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sparing¹

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

Example Sentences

It’s also expedient and facile, sparing the party from looking inward and doing the truly hard work it faces.

From Los Angeles Times

By reducing and delaying many of the governor’s proposed cuts, the budget continues a practice at the state Capitol of sparing state programs from immediate pain while avoiding taking on California’s long term budget woes.

From Los Angeles Times

If the State Bar developed its own questions, it figured it could save money by sparing the expense of renting massive exam halls for all test takers.

From Los Angeles Times

She is excruciatingly introspective but in perfect control of every sentence and emotion — withholding, sparing or repeating words to produce observations that gleam with intelligence and insight but keep their author shadowed.

From Los Angeles Times

Jones could have filed away his writings in a box, to be shipped off to his family for their private consumption, perhaps sparing the Florville family more pain.

From Los Angeles Times