Definitions

sparsely

[spahrs-lee] / ˈspɑrs li /

ADVERB

hardly

Synonyms

STRONGEST

barely comparatively practically rarely seldom simply somewhat

STRONG

just

WEAK

almost inconceivably almost not by a hair by no means detectably faintly gradually imperceptibly infrequently little no more than no way not a bit not at all not by much not likely not markedly not measurably not much not notably not noticeably not often not quite once in a blue moon only only just perceptibly pretty near scantly slightly sporadically with trouble

Antonyms

STRONGEST

frequently

WEAK

very

ADVERB

lightly

Synonyms

STRONGEST

casually delicately easily faintly freely gingerly mildly moderately quietly simply slightly softly subtly tenderly thinly

WEAK

agilely airily breezily carelessly daintily ethereally flippantly frivolously heedlessly indifferently leniently nimbly peacefully readily slightingly smoothly sparingly tenuously thoughtlessly timidly unsubstantially well

Antonyms

STRONGEST

difficultly roughly uncarefully

WEAK

effortfully heavily

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

sparsely

It has forced local officials to evacuate 1,200 people from 34 villages in the sparsely populated area.

From Barron's ● Jul. 22, 2026

The Cottonwood fire in a sparsely populated area of southern Utah started Monday.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 26, 2026

Highland Council said its region, which has large, sparsely populated areas, offered stargazers some of the darkest skies in Europe.

From BBC ● May 28, 2026

The mine is projected to lift Canadian exports by C$2.6 billion a year and support close to 2,000 jobs, while also bringing economic benefits to indigenous communities in the sparsely populated region.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 19, 2026

Furthermore, it was sparsely given, not the dousing given to hostile objects.

From "Julie of the Wolves" by Jean Craighead George

sparsely

Example Sentences

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Related Words