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.

Trump is mentioned sparingly, and sometimes only in absentia.

From Slate • Feb. 25, 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

Ameila was still living in Virginia which meant they were only able to visit each other sparingly.

From BBC • Jan. 20, 2026

Rookie running back Omarion Hampton missed six games with a fractured left ankle and played sparingly against the Patriots after injuring his right ankle in Week 17.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 13, 2026

He doled out his secrets sparingly, making me prove I’d mastered one before giving me another.

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss

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