How to Use sparse in a Sentence

sparse

adjective
Definition of sparsenext
Synonyms for sparsenext
  • This one is a bit more sparse than the Pleiades, but still neat to see.
    — Briley Lewis, Popular Science, 27 Mar. 2023
  • The lyrics are sparse, as in the group’s other works, but that doesn’t mean M83 doesn’t have much to say.
    — Sophia Solano, Washington Post, 19 Apr. 2023
  • Hotel rooms are sparse in the area, which leaves the option of camping.
    — Oscar Hartzog, Rolling Stone, 28 Mar. 2023
  • Balls of glass Even between 3.5 and 2.5 billion years ago, the rock record is sparse.
    — Alka Tripathy-Lang, Ars Technica, 26 Jan. 2024
  • Turnout was sparse in the run-off special election at 8.85%.
    — Ryan Gillespie, Orlando Sentinel, 18 June 2024
  • Along with the man in the onesie, Bluey can be seen playing on the bar screens as sparse decor from the show was strung on the walls.
    — Antonia Debianchi, Peoplemag, 23 May 2024
  • The front page of the internet is going to be pretty sparse next week.
    — Bychris Morris, Fortune, 6 June 2023
  • The sound was reedy and sparse, like somebody scraping a penny across a hair comb.
    — Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 10 Sep. 2023
  • Aisles were sparse on Thursday around 2:30 p.m. as the last shoppers walked into the store.
    — Bridget Fogarty, Journal Sentinel, 6 June 2024
  • The foot traffic in the alley is sparse, but the machine is available to anyone 24-7.
    — The Enquirer, 3 Jan. 2024
  • Public details as to how the program will work are still sparse.
    — Kate Aronoff, The New Republic, 21 Sep. 2023
  • But the drums quickly retreat again, and the record is at points sparse and sinister.
    — Nate Rogers, Los Angeles Times, 3 May 2024
  • Where the rest of the detention center is sparse, his office is stuffed.
    — Paige Pfleger, ProPublica, 16 Nov. 2023
  • But beware the Spartans at The Event Center, always a weird place to play with its sparse crowds.
    — Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Jan. 2024
  • Sage grouse cover can be quite sparse, and even pointed birds may flush at a distance in front of the dog.
    — Phil Bourjaily, Field & Stream, 11 Jan. 2024
  • Her prose is sparse and fragmented, told in verse-like glimpses.
    — Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2024
  • At Gulfton’s main park, a sprawling 32-acre complex, shade was sparse.
    — Molly Hennessy-Fiske, Washington Post, 14 July 2023
  • Lindor went 3-for-4 with a double, two RBI and a walk on a day when offense was sparse.
    — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 7 July 2024
  • The sparse menu — four meats served as tacos, quesadillas, tostadas and mulitas — was painted on the wall.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2024
  • Don't be too disappointed if the blooms are sparse and dinky.
    — Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 22 Sep. 2023
  • Aside from the rows of your synced photos, the interface is notably sparse.
    — PCMAG, 31 May 2024
  • As a result, the calendar was sparse for stretches at a time.
    — Pamela McClintock, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Jan. 2023
  • The wall behind the TV was sparse; family pictures sat on the floor waiting to be hung.
    — Cleo Krejci, Journal Sentinel, 25 July 2024
  • For Christmas, deals are sparse with the least-expensive day to fly far ahead of the holiday on Dec. 18.
    — Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 12 Oct. 2023
  • On the state’s highways, Chryslers and Chevys and Fords are notably prevalent, with foreign brands more sparse.
    — Mitch Smith, New York Times, 20 Sep. 2023
  • The blood trail was sparse, but Haack eventually followed it to the edge of small pond on the property.
    — Travis Hall, Field & Stream, 20 Dec. 2023
  • Over the past few years, rain has been sparse, and temperatures often are in the 110 degree range.
    — Washington Post, 28 June 2024
  • Both were limbs from Rick Carlisle’s coaching tree, which is getting a little sparse.
    — Kevin Sherrington, Dallas News, 10 Apr. 2023
  • Coleman was from Sacramento though public records about his time in the city were sparse.
    — Daniel Hunt, Sacramento Bee, 1 June 2024
  • In the white-cube gallery, the works’ reflections were still and sparse, their effect contemplative, the mood austere.
    — Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 22 July 2024

Some of these examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sparse.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Last Updated: