as in sparse
including only what is most basic or needed
a bare-bones website a bare-bones wedding ceremony The hotel rooms are bare-bones.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of bare-bones
Studies indicate that Gen Z’s hope is for a kind of bare-bones stability, for a debt-free life rather than one filled with riches.
—
Hua Hsu,
New Yorker,
22 June 2026
Rather than going fully bare-bones, the Callback positions itself as the middle ground between a smartphone that's too smart and a dumbphone that's too dumb.
—
New Atlas,
22 June 2026
The bare-bones account of unfolding horror.
—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
11 June 2026
Some viewers and beginner-painters valued his bare-bones instructions on how to create unchallenging landscape portraits, while still some others undoubtedly enjoyed Ross and his painting lessons for their snark value.
—
Randy McMullen,
Mercury News,
4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for bare-bones
Hua Hsu,
New Yorker,
22 June 2026
Rather than going fully bare-bones, the Callback positions itself as the middle ground between a smartphone that's too smart and a dumbphone that's too dumb.
—
New Atlas,
22 June 2026
The bare-bones account of unfolding horror.
—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
11 June 2026
Some viewers and beginner-painters valued his bare-bones instructions on how to create unchallenging landscape portraits, while still some others undoubtedly enjoyed Ross and his painting lessons for their snark value.
—
Randy McMullen,
Mercury News,
4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for bare-bones
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bare-bones
Adjective
-
Already, reports of sparse crowds have marred the Freedom 250’s Great American State Fair on the National Mall, the Daily Beast said.
-
In North Platte, Nebraska, vegetation is much sparser with drier soils.
Adjective
-
Without a connection to Apple, the iPhone is going to be a mere shadow of itself.
-
To his supporters, Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was the steadfast, fearless leader who transcended mere politics and inspired devotion.
Adjective
-
One of the easiest make-ahead dishes is a stir-fry, and a short ingredient list adds to its appeal.
-
This short-sleeve tee is wrinkle-resistant and has a crew neckline.
Adjective
-
Plus, minimal prep means less clean-up and more time to relax and actually enjoy your food.
-
This is the kind of simple outfit involves minimal planning, while looking thoroughly put-together.
Cite this Entry
“Bare-bones.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bare-bones. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
