1
as in to scant
to use or give out in stingy amounts
I'll have a banana split—and don't spare the whipped cream
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to save
to avoid unnecessary waste or expense
she had grown up during the Great Depression, so she was no stranger to sparing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in extra
being over what is needed
I had some spare time to kill, so I cleaned up my cubicle a bit
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2
as in careful
giving or sharing as little as possible
a man who is kind and gentle but definitely spare of speech
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3
as in thin
having a noticeably small amount of body fat
a tall, spare man
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4
as in scarce
less plentiful than what is normal, necessary, or desirable
spare vegetation that made foraging very difficult
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as in backup
an interchangeable part or piece of equipment that is kept on hand for replacement of an original
we promptly replaced the burnt-out lightbulb with a spare
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of spare
Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 10 July 2025
For years, American parents have been spared having to watch their kids die of the measles; in fact, up until this year, none had so in this country for a decade.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 9 July 2025
Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 5 July 2025
Repairs are possible with a standard screwdriver and spare parts bought from Fairphone itself, plus the brand also offers video guides to talk you through how to make changes.
—PC Magazine, 4 July 2025
Mark Phelan, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025
There's also a stock of parts and spares, and a follow-up list of inventory in third-party warehouses that has had its value cut by 65% for the purpose of liquidation.
—New Atlas, 24 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spare
Verb
The guilty plea will spare him from the potential death penalty.
—Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 10 July 2025
For years, American parents have been spared having to watch their kids die of the measles; in fact, up until this year, none had so in this country for a decade.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 9 July 2025
Adjective
The Dodgers replaced him at third base with spare parts – Kiké Hernandez (60 starts at third), Chris Taylor (15), Cavan Biggio (13) and Miguel Rojas (eight).
—Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 5 July 2025
Repairs are possible with a standard screwdriver and spare parts bought from Fairphone itself, plus the brand also offers video guides to talk you through how to make changes.
—PC Magazine, 4 July 2025
Noun
There’s plenty of head room in both rows of seats and a spacious cargo compartment that offers features including a rubber mat, dog-friendly package and a neat underfloor compartment that creates space for a full-size spare — something serious off-roaders demand.
—Mark Phelan, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025
There's also a stock of parts and spares, and a follow-up list of inventory in third-party warehouses that has had its value cut by 65% for the purpose of liquidation.
—New Atlas, 24 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spare
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spare
Verb
-
By scanting this complexity, Remnick leaves readers with a less than totally satisfying depiction of Obama's encounter with the world of black Chicago.—
Walter Russell Mead,
Foreign Affairs,
1 July 2010
-
Trump captured attention his first time around, in part, by talking about issues that other candidates scanted: the threat of China, chaos at the southern border.—
NR Editors,
National Review,
22 Dec. 2023
Verb
-
Their bravery and quick action undoubtedly saved many lives.—
Shane Croucher
John Feng,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 July 2025
-
At best, the new tax break means many seniors will save some money on taxes over four years.—
Susan Tompor,
Freep.com,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
Both could conceivably take PSG to extra time and/or PKs, where anything could happen.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 July 2025
-
This portable lock attaches to hotel doors and provides an extra layer of security, according to one flight attendant.—
Rylee Johnston,
Travel + Leisure,
7 July 2025
Adjective
-
The takeaway: Be careful about triggering too many credit inquiries.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
13 July 2025
-
However, later in the day, be careful about jumping to conclusions when dealing with others.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
13 July 2025
Adjective
-
What is a ‘washable’ rug, anyway? Typically made of synthetic fibers like nylon or polypropylene, washable rugs are thinner and more lightweight than traditional rugs, especially in larger sizes.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 July 2025
-
Many houses, townhomes and apartment buildings in both the city and suburbs have only a few square feet of front yard, or are surrounded by a thin fringe of plantable area.—
Beth Botts,
Chicago Tribune,
12 July 2025
Adjective
-
Longevity Delivers More Than Health These stories prove what’s possible, even when resources are scarce.—
Sylvana Quader Sinha,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
-
But for most people real human attention is scarce.—
Paul Bloom,
New Yorker,
14 July 2025
Noun
-
Most majors have a video review system as a backup to any close calls.—
Chris Branch,
New York Times,
7 July 2025
-
After beginning his career as a starter with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Winston's move to the New Orleans Saints in 2020 was the start of his journey as a backup.—
Justin Grasso,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 July 2025
Verb
-
There is probably no better example of a shortstop conserving his throwing arm than the one who left town Thursday night, Texas Rangers star Corey Seager.—
Mike Digiovanna,
Oc Register,
13 July 2025
-
The project is part of a decades-long effort to conserve Guimard’s work.—
Sonja Anderson,
Smithsonian Magazine,
9 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spare. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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