economical

eco·nom·i·cal | \ ˌe-kə-ˈnä-mi-kəl

How to pronounce economical (audio)

, ˌē-kə- \

Definition of economical

1 : marked by careful, efficient, and prudent use of resources : thrifty an economical shopper

2 : operating with little waste or at a saving an economical car

3 archaic : economic sense 5

Other Words from economical Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about economical

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Choose the Right Synonym for economical

sparing, frugal, thrifty, economical mean careful in the use of one's money or resources. sparing stresses abstention and restraint. sparing in the offering of advice frugal implies absence of luxury and simplicity of lifestyle. ran a frugal household thrifty stresses good management and industry. thrifty use of nonrenewable resources economical stresses prudent management, lack of wastefulness, and use of things to their best advantage. an economical health-care plan

economical, thrifty, and sparing mean careful in the use of money or goods. economical means using things in the best possible way without wasting anything. She's an economical cook who feeds us well. thrifty is used when someone manages things well and is industrious. A thrifty shopper can save money. sparing is used when someone spends or uses as little as possible. They are very sparing in giving money to charity.

Examples of economical in a Sentence

an economical way to heat your house a practical and economical solution to the problem

Recent Examples on the Web This can be much more economical than pouring a new foundation. — Shawn Vacek, Houston Chronicle, "GHBA Remodelers Council: Add the space you need by building up," 7 Dec. 2019 Some were simple and modest and reflected the original rationale for leftovers, which was economical. — Samantha Presnal, Quartzy, "Thanksgiving leftovers can be an outlet for creativity," 29 Nov. 2019 The professor speaks passionately about MSU being more economical than comparable programs at other universities. — Judith Kohler, The Denver Post, "Pilot shortage in Colorado and U.S. looms as current flyers are aging out and trainees face steep costs," 6 Oct. 2019 Some were simple and modest and reflected the original rationale for leftovers, which was economical. — Samantha Presnal, Quartzy, "Thanksgiving leftovers can be an outlet for creativity," 29 Nov. 2019 Some were simple and modest and reflected the original rationale for leftovers, which was economical. — Samantha Presnal, The Conversation, "What to do with those Thanksgiving leftovers? Look to the French," 26 Nov. 2019 The 777-8 offers a more compelling payload proposition on London and Sydney flights, whereas the lighter A350 would be more economical to destinations such as Hong Kong and Los Angeles, providing greater flexibility, Joyce said. — Guy Johnson, Bloomberg.com, "Boeing Pitches Stopgap Deal to Win Qantas Order for Delayed 777X," 13 Nov. 2019 There's now also a 48V mild hybrid system to go with cylinder deactivation, so this new one is a bit more economical to drive, particularly in traffic and real-world situations. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, "The 2020 Audi RS7—our all-time favorite fastback just got even better," 24 Sep. 2019 Vicuña’s forms could not be more economical and understated. — Washington Post, "In a year of upheaval, the best art was also the bravest," 10 Dec. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'economical.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near economical

economical prices

economic botany

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Last Updated

16 Jan 2020

Cite this Entry

“Economical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/economical. Accessed 25 Feb. 2020.

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More Definitions for economical

economical

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of economical

: using money, resources, etc., carefully

—used to describe a product that is not expensive to own and use

See the full definition for economical in the English Language Learners Dictionary

economical

eco·nom·i·cal | \ ˌe-kə-ˈnä-mi-kəl

, ˌē- \

Kids Definition of economical

1 : using what is available carefully and without waste : frugal economical cooking

2 : operating with little waste an economical car

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