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Definitions

sparingly

[spair-ing-lee] / ˈspɛər ɪŋ li /
ADVERB
infrequently
Synonyms
STRONGEST
intermittently now and then occasionally rarely sporadically
WEAK
hardly ever not regularly scarcely uncommonly unusually
Antonyms
STRONGEST
frequently regularly
ADVERB
lightly
Synonyms
STRONGEST
casually delicately easily faintly freely gingerly mildly moderately quietly simply slightly softly sparsely subtly tenderly thinly
WEAK
agilely airily breezily carelessly daintily ethereally flippantly frivolously heedlessly indifferently leniently nimbly peacefully readily slightingly smoothly tenuously thoughtlessly timidly unsubstantially well
Antonyms
STRONGEST
difficultly roughly uncarefully
WEAK
effortfully heavily
ADVERB
reasonably
Synonyms
STRONGEST
calmly fairly moderately prudently
WEAK
evenly gently leniently mildly temperately tolerantly
ADVERB
sporadically
Synonyms
STRONGEST
intermittently now and then occasionally rarely seldom
WEAK
hardly hardly ever little not regularly once in a blue moon scarcely uncommonly unusually
Antonyms
STRONGEST
frequently regularly usually

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.

To get physicians to stop overprescribing, the institutions that shape their choices should offer a greater reward for prescribing sparingly.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 10, 2026

While there is a small stage, it is used sparingly.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 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

I allow myself these tears sparingly, only ever w hen Tom’s not here, just a few moments to let it all out.

From "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins

Vocabulary lists containing sparingly

George Martin (1926-2016) Tribute List

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