Sparse and Surplus

Sparse

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

Surplus is an antonym for sparse.

Nearby Word: sparsely

Surplus

Surplus adjective - Being over what is needed.
Usage example: surplus stock gets shipped to the warehouse and is eventually sold at auction

Sparse is an antonym for surplus.

Nearby Word: surplusage
Cite this Source
Surplus and Sparse. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 22, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/sparse/surplus
Sparse & Surplus. N.p., 2016. Web. 22 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/sparse/surplus>.
Surplus or Sparse. 2016. Accessed July 22, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/sparse/surplus.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "sparse" and "surplus" have occurred on timeline