Sparse and Sparing

Sparse

Sparse adjective - Less plentiful than what is normal, necessary, or desirable.
Usage example: open land is sparse around here

Sparing and sparse are semantically related. In some cases you can use "Sparing" instead an adjective "Sparse".

Nearby Word: sparsely

Sparing

Sparing adjective - Less plentiful than what is normal, necessary, or desirable.
Usage example: unfortunately, the explanation of the health insurance plan was somewhat sparing on details

Sparse and sparing are semantically related. Sometimes you can use "Sparse" instead an adjective "Sparing".

Nearby Words: spare, sparingly, spared, sparring
Cite this Source
Sparing and Sparse. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 15, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/sparse/sparing
Sparse & Sparing. N.p., 2016. Web. 15 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/sparse/sparing>.
Sparing or Sparse. 2016. Accessed August 15, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/sparse/sparing.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "sparse" and "sparing" have occurred on timeline