unsparing

adjective

un·​spar·​ing ˌən-ˈsper-iŋ How to pronounce unsparing (audio)
Synonyms of unsparing
1
: not merciful or forbearing : hard, ruthless
an unsparing satire
an unsparing critic
2
: not frugal : liberal, profuse
unsparing generosity
unsparingly
ˌən-ˈsper-iŋ-lē How to pronounce unsparing (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of unsparing

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Examples of unsparing in a Sentence

neighbors were unsparing in their charity when a local family was rendered homeless by a fire unsparing in his criticism of the welfare state
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Eisenkot, who lost a son and two nephews to fighting in Gaza, has been particularly unsparing in his criticism, repeatedly hammering Netanyahu for refusing to take any accountability for the calamity. — Aluf Benn, Foreign Affairs, 23 Oct. 2026 Chee is sparing of physical detail but unsparing in dissecting the social and psychological dynamics of abuse. — Garth Greenwell, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2026 Laced with Horgan’s signature combination of unsparing honesty and sparkling wit, Youth is a fleet and frisky reminder that growing into yourself is a lifelong endeavor. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2026 The first film written and directed by Chris Rock since 2014, ‘Misty Green’ is an unsparing look at contemporary Hollywood. — Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unsparing

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unsparing was circa 1586

Rhymes for unsparing

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Browse Nearby Words

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unsparing
unsparingly
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Cite this Entry

“Unsparing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsparing. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unsparing

adjective
un·​spar·​ing ˌən-ˈspa(ə)r-iŋ How to pronounce unsparing (audio)
-ˈspe(ə)r-, 
ˈən-
1
: not merciful or forgiving : hard, ruthless
unsparing attacks
2
: not stingy : liberal
unsparing in their gifts to charity
unsparingly adverb
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