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Definitions

spare

[spair] / spɛər /
ADJECTIVE
extra, reserve
Synonyms
STRONGEST
unoccupied unused
STRONG
backup emergency free lagniappe leftover option over supernumerary surplus
WEAK
additional de trop in excess in reserve in store more than enough odd supererogatory superfluous unwanted
Antonyms
WEAK
necessary
ADJECTIVE
thin; sparse
Synonyms
STRONGEST
angular slim
STRONG
lean poor scant scanty shadow skinny slight sparing stick stilt
WEAK
bony economical exiguous frugal gaunt lank lanky meager modest rangy rawboned scraggy scrawny skimpy slender stingy wiry
Antonyms
STRONG
chubby fat great large plump thick
VERB
do or manage without
Synonyms
STRONGEST
afford allow give grant provide save
STRONG
bestow pinch relinquish scrape scrimp short skimp stint supply
WEAK
dispense with part with put by salt away
Antonyms
STRONGEST
deny hold keep refuse take withstand
STRONG
spend waste
WEAK
need
VERB
forgive; have mercy upon
Synonyms
STRONGEST
excuse exempt leave pardon refrain from
STRONG
absolve discharge dispense forbear pity release relent spring
WEAK
bail out be lenient be merciful get off the hook get out of hock give a break give quarter to go easy on let go let off privilege from pull out of the fire relieve from save bacon save from save neck

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.

Perhaps to spare readers even more dismay, she reserves her critical scrutiny for cells, chronicling their nasty competitive struggles in vivid detail, while largely overlooking these same inconvenient realities in science.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

If judges will not step in, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee should use his clemency power to spare Carruthers.

From Slate • Apr. 20, 2026

She almost dropped the ball into the path of Sveindis Jonsdottir late on too, but rescued it just in time to spare her blushes.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

The strike was avoided with hours to spare Tuesday morning.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

With seconds to spare before classes changed, they climbed the grand marble staircase to the third floor.

From "Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow" by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

Vocabulary lists containing spare

Vocabulary from the Introduction to "Reality is Broken" by Jane McGonigal

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'Tis A Gift To Be Simple: Words For National Simplicity Day

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Front Desk

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