economical

adjective

eco·nom·i·cal | \ ˌe-kə-ˈnä-mi-kəl

, 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

The Hyundai Elantra, introduced in 1992, is a compact sedan for buyers looking for an economical but stylish mode of transportation. — Emma Jayne Williams, star-telegram, "Hyundai’s Elantra compact sedan returns for 2018 with prices from $16,950-$22,100 | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 31 Mar. 2018 Oats are one of your most economical breakfast options, and as part of the whole-grain family, they're loaded with beneficial nutrients. — Joy Bauer, Ms, Woman's Day, "Nutrition Expert Joy Bauer's Tips for Eating Healthy on a Budget," 23 Jan. 2019 Visiting national or state parks is an economical way to take in the natural beauty of the country. — Adam Schubak, Country Living, "The Best Tips For Affordable Trips and Travel on Any Budget," 19 Dec. 2018 The rocket engine was designed with additive manufacturing in mind for use in an economical, European microlauncher. — Eric Berger, Ars Technica, "Rocket Report: Russia’s nuclear rocket, airspace wars, BFR changes explained," 30 Nov. 2018 The Rural Studio will soon share its knowledge of economical, innovative, and sustainable residential architecture to partners across the country, hoping to make a dent in our serious affordable housing crisis. — Patrick Sisson, Curbed, "How a college architecture studio is tackling the affordable housing crisis," 18 July 2018 For years, plans to build an LNG terminal by several groups were stalled because there was no government support that would make such a project economical. — Bojan Pancevski, WSJ, "In Win for Trump, Merkel Changes Course on U.S. Gas Imports," 22 Oct. 2018 At $35 for a set of two, Spirit Halloween offers the most economical price, while options on Amazon cost $45-$50 a pop. — Taysha Murtaugh, Country Living, "These $30 Skull Logs Will Make Your Fireplace Extra Eerie for Halloween," 10 Oct. 2018 Why open a new factory that’s only economical because of tariffs when the very existence of the tariffs depends on the whims of a mercurial and unpopular president? — Matthew Yglesias, Vox, "A Wall Street Journal interview on trade shows Trump has no idea what he’s doing," 27 Nov. 2018

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.