spare
verb (used with object)
to refrain from harming or destroying; leave uninjured; forbear to punish, hurt, or destroy.
had spared
-
past perfectof spare.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
Anabel Cano thought cancer had spared her after she underwent a mammogram in the Spanish region of Andalusia.
From Barron's ● Nov. 26, 2025
But until recently she had spared herself the nightmare of trying to burn one of her own books.
From Seattle Times ● May 23, 2022
The flames had spared only their brick chimney and a detached garage.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 4, 2021
That victory had spared Lennon from the fans' ire this time, with the board the focus of a pre-match protest as hundreds of supporters gathered outside Celtic Park.
From BBC ● Dec. 13, 2020
Demand for railcars to carry visitors to the exposition had spared the Pullman Works, but by the end of the fair George Pullman too began cutting wages and workers.
From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson
