spare
verb (used with object)
to refrain from harming or destroying; leave uninjured; forbear to punish, hurt, or destroy.
was sparing
-
past progressiveof spare.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
The cloud of hot air was sparing Portugal on Friday, where temperatures were not as high as in other European nations, with Lisbon likely to reach 27 C.
From Reuters ● Jun. 17, 2022
Its Russian owner was sparing no expense, with hand-painted Michelangelo-style clouds above the dining table, a lobster tank, a fire pit and, at the bow, a five-ton stainless-steel Art Deco albatross figurehead.
From New York Times ● Jun. 1, 2022
They had made it a good chunk of the way within the first month, but public interest was sparing.
From Time ● Jun. 2, 2015
There was a time when BBC radio was sparing in its coverage of television, fearing the younger upstart would supplant it.
From The Guardian ● Mar. 24, 2011
She did not cry or bid for pity—and he knew she was sparing him these things.
From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White
