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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in careful
giving or sharing as little as possible
a man who is kind and gentle but definitely spare of speech
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in thin
having a noticeably small amount of body fat
a tall, spare man
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in scarce
less plentiful than what is normal, necessary, or desirable
spare vegetation that made foraging very difficult
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of spare
Bloomberg News, Boston Herald, 21 July 2025
Three Brooklyn yeshivas found in violation of state educational standards will be spared of any real consequences for now, a state judge has ruled in a lawsuit sparked by New York lawmakers’ recent changes to government oversight of religious schools.
—Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 21 July 2025
Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 7 July 2025
But with Guardiola on a mission to trim his squad down to a size that will not leave half a dozen spare parts every weekend, Gundogan has been one of the players whose future has been the subject of speculation.
—Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 11 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
Far from Wall Street and Silicon Valley, Alaska’s fishing industry was spared from higher-cost noshes.
—Bloomberg News, Boston Herald, 21 July 2025
Three Brooklyn yeshivas found in violation of state educational standards will be spared of any real consequences for now, a state judge has ruled in a lawsuit sparked by New York lawmakers’ recent changes to government oversight of religious schools.
—Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 21 July 2025
Adjective
Budding Joy 6-Pack Foldable Storage Bins If your closet is lacking the proper space to store seasonal clothes, extra blankets, spare sheets, kids toys, or even bath towels, these foldable storage bins are your best friend.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 7 July 2025
But with Guardiola on a mission to trim his squad down to a size that will not leave half a dozen spare parts every weekend, Gundogan has been one of the players whose future has been the subject of speculation.
—Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 11 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
-
Hopefully, the extra rest over the All-Star break will help Clark get back to full health and on the court.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 July 2025
-
The former Notre Dame star transferred to TCU to try to improve her game, earn some extra NIL money and continue to grow her brand.—
Doug Feinberg,
Chicago Tribune,
19 July 2025
Adjective
-
The hamstring injury Mount suffered overextending his leg in the Manchester derby in December kept him out until March, and Amorim was careful to reintroduce him — and praised his diligence in returning to fitness.—
Laurie Whitwell,
New York Times,
25 July 2025
-
The trailer is careful to showcase the film’s scale – fighter planes soar, speedboats roar, trains careen, and cities flash by in a blur – while keeping plot details tantalizingly out of reach.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
25 July 2025
Adjective
-
Armstrong provides another veteran depth option to vie for a roster spot in a position group that’s already thin and now ailing.—
David Furones,
Sun Sentinel,
24 July 2025
-
Light cushioning maximizes comfort and support in the arch of your foot, while keeping its thin profile.—
Lauren Breedlove,
Travel + Leisure,
24 July 2025
Adjective
-
While specific details of his early childhood are scarce, Weller came of age during a time when distilling was a booming regional industry, often run by farmers and small-business operators who combined their agricultural production with whiskey making.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
26 July 2025
-
Details after paramedics whisked Valdes away are scarce, her friend says, as no one was allowed to ride with her to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center, where she was later pronounced dead.—
Isabel Rivera,
Miami Herald,
24 July 2025
Noun
-
Simmons would give the Kings a capable backup for point guard Dennis Schroder, who recently came to Sacramento in a sign-and-trade deal with the Detroit Pistons.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
18 July 2025
-
Lucas implores Skepta to call up fellow U.K. rappers such as Dave and Central Cee for backup, and goes on to mock his friendship with Drake.—
Michael Saponara,
Billboard,
15 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 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share