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| spare (spâr) v. spared, spar·ing, spares v.tr.1. To refrain from treating harshly; treat mercifully or leniently. 2. To refrain from harming or destroying. 3. To save or relieve from experiencing or doing (something): spared herself the trouble of going. 4. To hold back from; withhold or avoid: spared no expense for the celebration. 5. To use with restraint: Don't spare the mustard. 6. To give or grant out of one's resources; afford: Can you spare ten minutes? v.intr.1. To be frugal. 2. To refrain from inflicting harm; be merciful or lenient. adj. spar·er, spar·est 1. a. Kept in reserve: a spare part; a spare pair of sneakers. b. Being in excess of what is needed; extra. See Synonyms at superfluous. c. Free for other use; unoccupied: spare time. 2. a. Not lavish, abundant, or excessive: a spare diet. b. Lean and trim. See Synonyms at lean2. 3. Not profuse or copious. n.1. A replacement, especially a tire, reserved for future need. 2. Sports a. The act of knocking down all ten pins with two successive rolls of a bowling ball. b. The score so made. Idiom: to spare In addition to what is needed: We paid our bills and had money to spare.
[Middle English sparen, from Old English sparian.]
spare ly adv. spare ness n. spar er n. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms | Noun | 1. | sparer - someone who refrains from injuring or destroyingbenefactor, helper - a person who helps people or institutions (especially with financial help) |
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