spare

(spâr)

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?

1. To be frugal.
2. To refrain from inflicting harm; be merciful or lenient.

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.

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.

Related Forms:

• spareˈly adverb

• spareˈness noun

• sparˈer noun