The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word SCANTIER
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
S
C
A
N
T
I
E
R
More clues leading to the result SCANTIER
- Make out American child’s apron is comparatively skimpy
- Canister could be smaller
- Have a quick look at part of stadium? It’s barer
- Search bank becoming poorer
- More revealing view seen on stage
- Look at row on grandstand less full?
- Scrutinise one who may be making a granny more parsimonious
- Check on bank is less adequate
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "smaller" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case smaller = scantier.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does SCANTIER mean?
SCANTIER adjective- Somewhat less than is needed in amplitude or extent.
- Sparing; niggardly; parsimonious; stingy.