spare
verb (used with object)
to refrain from harming or destroying; leave uninjured; forbear to punish, hurt, or destroy.
have spared
-
present perfectof spare.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
And soon I’d learn something even more sobering: If this technology had been around three decades ago, it might have spared my mom a surgery and some treatments.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 4, 2026
State policies have spared school districts from the full immediate impact of a funding loss tied to decreasing enrollment.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 22, 2026
Cassidy could have spared himself a lot of trouble if he’d just gone along for the ride, like everyone else, when Kennedy was nominated.
From Slate ● Sep. 4, 2025
The original deal, which would reportedly have spared the alleged attackers the death penalty, was criticised by some families of victims.
From BBC ● Aug. 2, 2024
But rather than give the testimony that might have spared her life, he fled to Canada after the assassination, where he followed the news of his mother’s trial and execution.
From "Lincoln's Last Days: The Shocking Assassination that Changed America Forever" by Bill O'Reilly
