economize

verb

econ·​o·​mize i-ˈkä-nə-ˌmīz How to pronounce economize (audio)
economized; economizing

intransitive verb

: to practice economy : be frugal

transitive verb

: to use frugally : save
economizer noun

Examples of economize in a Sentence

He was born into a wealthy family and never learned to economize. in tough times people learn how to economize
Recent Examples on the Web Besides holding out for even more attractive bargains later into the season, people will also economize by cutting back on gifts to close family and friends. Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes, 13 Nov. 2023 Fifteen of its 16 rooms accommodate five people in three beds, and all have efficiency kitchens with free coffee to help guests economize on meals. Elaine Glusac, New York Times, 7 Aug. 2023 This economizing ethos has forced adjustments big and small: Features are filming less in Los Angeles or New York; some crews are working shorter days and longer weeks; mid-budget affairs are becoming tougher to greenlight. Katie Kilkenny, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Apr. 2023 Also troubling is that signals suggest consumers now expect prices to keep rising — expectations that can hurt economic growth as people look to economize and trim their spending. Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 19 Nov. 2021 There are ways to economize. Washington Post, 7 Aug. 2018 For obvious reasons, many of us are trying to cut back on our spending right now—and when looking for ways to economize, forgoing trips to restaurants and bars is an obvious place to start. Clare Finney, Vogue, 29 Mar. 2023 Is the company pushing you to economize? Brent Lang, Variety, 18 Jan. 2023 Our participation included having customer service representatives on hand to address customer account issues, demonstrations of meter reading, free plumbing accessories to economize on water usage, and live questions and answers with our executive management team. Heather Gann | Hgann@al.com, al, 17 Nov. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'economize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

economy entry 1 + -ize

First Known Use

1780, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of economize was in 1780

Dictionary Entries Near economize

Cite this Entry

“Economize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/economize. Accessed 11 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

economize

verb
econ·​o·​mize i-ˈkän-ə-ˌmīz How to pronounce economize (audio)
economized; economizing
1
: to practice economy : be thrifty
economize on fuel
2
: to use less of : save
economize fuel
economizer noun

More from Merriam-Webster on economize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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