Synonym Chooser

How is the word frugal distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of frugal are economical, sparing, and thrifty. While all these words mean "careful in the use of one's money or resources," frugal implies absence of luxury and simplicity of lifestyle.

ran a frugal household

When might economical be a better fit than frugal?

The synonyms economical and frugal are sometimes interchangeable, but economical stresses prudent management, lack of wastefulness, and use of things to their best advantage.

an economical health-care plan

In what contexts can sparing take the place of frugal?

While in some cases nearly identical to frugal, sparing stresses abstention and restraint.

sparing in the offering of advice

When is thrifty a more appropriate choice than frugal?

The words thrifty and frugal can be used in similar contexts, but 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 frugal Like Schwarzenegger before the Great Recession, but unlike frugal Jerry Brown, Gavin Newsom has not prepared the state fiscally to cope with emergencies. John Seiler, Orange County Register, 17 Jan. 2025 The Carters' other frugal tendencies included spending weekends dining with neighbors on paper plates with bargain-brand wine, and making their own yogurt, the Post wrote. Tom Huddleston Jr.,sarah Berger, CNBC, 8 Jan. 2025 By all accounts, Carter lived a fairly normal and frugal life until his death. Tom Huddleston Jr.,sarah Berger, CNBC, 8 Jan. 2025 Many free agents were slow to sign, perhaps because ballclubs outside of New York and Los Angeles were becoming more frugal or because their demands for contracts fatter in dollars and years were falling on deaf ears. Dan Schlossberg, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for frugal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frugal
Adjective
  • The administrative burden alone makes the model less economical, not to mention the actual tariffs now due.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
  • The dress cost $460, quite an economical choice in these trying times, considering wedding dresses typically go for up to tens of thousands.
    Aamina Inayat Khan, StyleCaster, 16 Apr. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Frugal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frugal. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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