economize

1 of 2

verb

econ·​o·​mize i-ˈkä-nə-ˌmīz 

economized; economizing

intransitive verb

: to practice economy : be frugal

transitive verb

: to use frugally : save

economizer noun

economizer

2 of 2

noun

econ·​o·​miz·​er

-zə(r)

plural -s

: an apparatus for utilizing heat otherwise wasted

specifically : a system of water tubes in the breeching of a boiler to heat the feedwater compare regenerator

Synonyms of economize

Verb

• save
• conserve
• spare

Examples of economize in a Sentence

Verb

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

Verb

Many consumers are also planning to economize on clothes, shoes, hobby items, and toys and games, the survey found. — Christopher Rugaber, Fortune, 26 May 2026

In short, economizing on non-defense outlays simply has to bring mandatory spending under review. — Editorial, Boston Herald, 17 Apr. 2026

In short, economizing on non-defense outlays simply has to bring mandatory spending under review. — Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 14 Apr. 2026

At hotels, which have been ditching items like free soaps and even bathroom doors to economize, the free breakfast is a sacred cow that some worry will not survive, increasingly seen by hotel operators as an money pit eating into the thin margins of the business. — Kevin Williams, CNBC, 15 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

economy entry 1 + -ize

First Known Use

Verb

1780, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Rhymes for economize

• actualize
• antagonize
• apologise
• apologize
• capitalize
• categorize
• characterize
• commercialize
• conceptualize
• contrariwise
• criminalize
• decentralize

Kids Definition

economize

verb

econ·​o·​mize i-ˈkän-ə-ˌmīz 

economized; economizing

1

: to practice economy : be thrifty

economize on fuel

2

: to use less of : save

economize fuel

economizer noun