WordLens

spare

1 of 3verb
/spɛr/
Forms:spares,sparing,spared,spared
1

to give someone something that one has enough of

C1transitive
  • He decided to spare the extra supplies to the local charity.
  • She chose to spare her weekend plans to help her friend move.
  • They agreed to spare some of their budget for community outreach programs.
  • He was willing to spare his time to mentor new employees.
  • She decided to spare her old clothes to the shelter, knowing they would be put to good use.
2

to refrain from harming, injuring, or punishing someone or something

transitive
  • Despite the betrayal, he chose to spare his friend's feelings and kept the secret to himself.
  • The compassionate judge decided to spare the young offender and opted for rehabilitation.
  • In a display of mercy, the king decided to spare the lives of the captured rebels and granted them a pardon.
  • The hunter encountered a majestic deer in the forest but decided to spare its life, appreciating its beauty and grace.
  • The soldier hesitated to open fire, hoping to spare the innocent civilians caught in the crossfire.
3

to use time or resources in a careful and frugal way, avoiding waste

  • She spares when it comes to dining out, opting to cook at home to save money.
  • Despite the temptation, she spares when it comes to impulse purchases, preferring to save for future goals.
  • Despite the extravagant vacation options available, she spares by opting for budget-friendly accommodations.
  • By using a shared car, they managed to spare their finances for other important needs.
  • He learned to spare his resources by buying only what he truly needed.
Synonyms: