economize

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

Synonyms

• pinch
• save
• scrimp
• skimp
• spare

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

Persons trying to economize by driving older, smaller model automobiles that usually get good gasoline mileage are having to pay higher personal property taxes for the vehicles in 1975. —The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, arkansasonline.com, 22 Feb. 2025

All four of them sewed—my mother and her sister-in-law, to economize on dresses for themselves and their daughters. —Megan Marshall, The New Yorker, 8 Feb. 2025

Hotels and airlines are increasingly catering to high-dollar customers, who’ve been expanding their holiday travel plans while lower-income ones economize. —J.j. McCorvey, NBC News, 5 Dec. 2024

Healthcare providers can consider investing in the development of new, high-value treatments and technological approaches that improve outcomes while economizing on long-term costs, such as innovative practices that use minimally invasive surgical strategies. —Shakeel Ahmed, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

economy entry 1 + -ize

First Known Use

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