Scant - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

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SKIP TO CONTENT scant /skænt/ /skænt/ IPA guide

Other forms: scantly; scanted; scanter; scants; scanting; scantest

Scant is an adjective that means "a tiny amount," like your scant attendance at practice this week that results in being benched from the big game.

Scant is also a verb, that means "to supply sparingly" — don't scant with the brownies, or I will keep asking for more. Scant also means "to deal with inadequately or carelessly." When you scant the reports on homelessness, they are so superficial on data that they don't reflect the real problem. Scant comes from the Old Norse word skamt, meaning "short, brief."

Definitions of scant

adjective less than the correct or legal or full amount often deliberately so “a scant cup of sugar” synonyms: light, short deficient, insufficient of a quantity not able to fulfill a need or requirement
verb limit in quality or quantity synonyms: skimp see moresee less type of: restrict place under restrictions; limit access to
verb supply sparingly and with restricted quantities synonyms: skimp, stint see moresee less type of: furnish, provide, render, supply give something useful or necessary to
verb work hastily or carelessly; deal with inadequately and superficially synonyms: skimp see moresee less type of: work exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

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