adj. 1 extra, surplus, supernumerary, auxiliary, supplementary, additional; odd, leftover; in reserve, in addition We got a puncture, so Dad stopped and put on the spare wheel Give them the spare room. Have you a spare cigarette? 2 unoccupied, leftover, leisure, free, surplus, extra; not spoken for Her demanding job left her very little spare time 3 thin, skinny, scrawny, cadaverous, gaunt, raw-boned, meagre, gangling, lank(y), wiry, slim, slender; all skin and bones The spare, ragged figure crouched in the shadows, his hand outstretched in supplication 4 See sparing, below. 5 meagre, frugal, small, skimpy, modest, scanty Their meals were spare but wholesome
v. 6 save, rescue, deliver, redeem Bill spared me from a fate worse than death Spare me the embarrassment of having to ask for my money back. 7 pardon, let go, release, have mercy on, let off, free, liberate At the last moment, the judge spared him 8 allow, relinquish, let go (of), give, award, bestow, let have, donate, part with, give, yield She decided she could spare a couple of pounds for the disaster appeal Buddy, can you spare a dime? 9 avoid, dispense with, manage or do without, give up, forgo, forsake, surrender, sacrifice We spared a great deal of trouble by settling the dispute Spare the rod and spoil the child.