as in extravagant
given to spending money freely or foolishly
my one wasteful child always seemed to run out of money by midweek
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of wasteful
The move came amid cost-cutting efforts and claims of wasteful spending at the agency, which worked to prevent infectious diseases and supplied medicine and water to people in nations stricken by war, famine and drought.
—
USA Today,
17 June 2026
In response, the Miami-Dade Mayor's office challenged the allegations of wasteful spending.
—
Manuel Bojorquez,
CBS News,
17 June 2026
But without a clear strategy, a flood of money allows the Pentagon to buy now and decide later what best defends the nation, a potentially wasteful approach.
—
Nancy A. Youssef,
The Atlantic,
17 June 2026
For example, if Democrats were willing to find more economies in programs and curb wasteful spending, Polletta said, Republican support for income tax breaks for renters and families likely would increase significantly.
—
Keith M. Phaneuf,
Hartford Courant,
15 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for wasteful
USA Today,
17 June 2026
In response, the Miami-Dade Mayor's office challenged the allegations of wasteful spending.
—
Manuel Bojorquez,
CBS News,
17 June 2026
But without a clear strategy, a flood of money allows the Pentagon to buy now and decide later what best defends the nation, a potentially wasteful approach.
—
Nancy A. Youssef,
The Atlantic,
17 June 2026
For example, if Democrats were willing to find more economies in programs and curb wasteful spending, Polletta said, Republican support for income tax breaks for renters and families likely would increase significantly.
—
Keith M. Phaneuf,
Hartford Courant,
15 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for wasteful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wasteful
Adjective
-
The 12 palatial pool villas are even more extravagant, with infinity pools, outdoor showers, and ethereal canopy beds.
-
Fourth of July weekend is approaching fast, and Central Floridians can find a number of extravagant fireworks displays and special events to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.
Adjective
-
Avoid the impulse to label someone as cheap or profligate after one or two dates, AARP advises.
-
The measure is clearly a state limit on profligate local governments’ ability to raise taxes.
Adjective
-
Natural materials, generous outdoor space and, above all, privacy and security are the new markers of wealth.
-
Now, Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton present a stark choice to voters in the race to be the next governor at a moment when public support for the state’s generous safety net is starting to fray.
Adjective
-
In many states, including Maryland, debtors may exempt substantial assets from bankruptcy, including retirement accounts, spendthrift trusts and substantial equity in real estate (unlimited in Texas).
-
To prevent this from occurring, parents can create an estate plan that ultimately places a spendthrift child’s inheritance into a trust that regulates how much the child can take out.
Adjective
-
In high school, students would read the parable of the prodigal son, portions of the Book of Job, and the story of Adam and Eve.
-
These three prodigal sons helped to pull the team from a perilous position in the qualification table to finish as group winners.
Adjective
-
Was fatal boat crash just an accident — or was Pino reckless?
-
Emma D’Arcy imbues Rhaenyra’s every line with a breathless giddiness that conveys the character’s reckless naivete.
Adjective
-
Still, multitasking can lead to careless errors, irritability or burnout, so take it easy.
-
Sell the two at much the same price, and careful investors end up holding careless risk.
Adjective
-
But the court ruled in February that Republican counter plans violated a Utah referendum prohibiting gerrymandering, solidifying the single district centered on the increasingly liberal Salt Lake City.
-
The high court divided 6 to 3 along ideological lines in ruling against Damon Landor, with the three liberal justices in dissent.
Cite this Entry
“Wasteful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wasteful. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
