Synonym Chooser

How is the word economical distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of economical are frugal, sparing, and thrifty. While all these words mean "careful in the use of one's money or resources," economical stresses prudent management, lack of wastefulness, and use of things to their best advantage.

an economical health-care plan

When could frugal be used to replace economical?

While the synonyms frugal and economical are close in meaning, frugal implies absence of luxury and simplicity of lifestyle.

ran a frugal household

When is it sensible to use sparing instead of economical?

The meanings of sparing and economical largely overlap; however, sparing stresses abstention and restraint.

sparing in the offering of advice

When can thrifty be used instead of economical?

The words thrifty and economical are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, thrifty stresses good management and industry.

thrifty use of nonrenewable resources

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of economical Each of the pitchers is economical in the amount of pitches used. Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025 The only place where cooking your own meals isn’t the most economical option is Southeast Asia, where street food is usually cheaper. Matt Kepnes, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 Apr. 2025 Deva Cassel portrays Angelica, a young woman who comes from a modest social and economical background, but raised to become a fine, charismatic and powerful young woman, who will eventually marry into the Prince’s nephew, Tancredi, played by Saul Nanni. Maelle Beauget-Uhl, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025 Small moves could also be expected at virtually every other position for solid, economical depth options. David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 9 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for economical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for economical
Adjective
  • Rheinmetall has soared 150% thanks largely to the German parliament’s commitment in March to create a fund to spend more than $500 million on defense and infrastructure over 12 years, a stark departure from the nation’s longstanding frugal spending policies.
    Hank Tucker, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • For frugal travelers, that means both more options for flights — and more opportunities for deals.
    NerdWallet, Mercury News, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • After Benedict retired and Francis replaced him in 2013, the new pope spurned Castel Gandolfo and impressed the international media with his down-to-earth demeanor and thrifty trimmings.
    Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2025
  • What started out as a thrifty practice has become an unofficial commandment of Southern kitchens—don't waste one drop of tasty bacon grease.
    Josh Miller, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Aston Villa accounting period covered 13 months, not one year. Source: Club financial statements All of which begs the question: are Levy and Spurs being excessively prudent?
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025
  • As a result, many universities, including those in states with a 7% cap on prudent spending, will likely be able to increase their use of endowment funds to maintain their budgets at prior levels.
    Ellen P. Aprill, The Conversation, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • My brother-in-law was not what one calls a provident father.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 22 Aug. 2024
  • For example, many cities have begun allowing parents to help their children buy an apartment using their housing provident funds, a kind of compulsory saving program in China.
    Jacky Wong, WSJ, 16 Sep. 2022
Adjective
  • But the smile is now more sparing, at least on camera.
    Longreads, Longreads, 19 Dec. 2024
  • Mercy for violence, however, remained more sparing.
    New York Times, New York Times, 17 Nov. 2021

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Economical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/economical. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on economical

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!