Synonyms

sparingly

American

[spair-ing-lee] / ˈspɛər ɪŋ li /

adverb

in an economical or limited way.

Nutritionists recommend eating fats sparingly.

Other Word Forms

oversparingly

adverb

Etymology

Origin of sparingly

sparing ( def. ) + -ly

Vocabulary lists containing sparingly

George Martin (1926-2016) Tribute List

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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.

Ms. Koons uses movement sparingly, in moments such as the arrival of the Stranger and Thorn Rose’s climb to the turret.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

Trump is mentioned sparingly, and sometimes only in absentia.

From Slate • Feb. 25, 2026

McDonnell said the legislation being used for the department's application had been "used sparingly" in the past.

From BBC • Feb. 5, 2026

Consumers have also shown signs of using the paper towels, shampoo and other essentials they do buy more sparingly to conserve supplies.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 28, 2026

He drank sparingly, saving the rest for Rita.

From "The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm" by Nancy Farmer

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023