Synonym Chooser

How is the word economical distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of economical are frugal, sparing, and thrifty. While all these words mean "careful in the use of one's money or resources," economical stresses prudent management, lack of wastefulness, and use of things to their best advantage.

an economical health-care plan

When could frugal be used to replace economical?

While the synonyms frugal and economical are close in meaning, frugal implies absence of luxury and simplicity of lifestyle.

ran a frugal household

When is it sensible to use sparing instead of economical?

The meanings of sparing and economical largely overlap; however, sparing stresses abstention and restraint.

sparing in the offering of advice

When can thrifty be used instead of economical?

The words thrifty and economical are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, thrifty stresses good management and industry.

thrifty use of nonrenewable resources

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 economical Clarify how equity-centric design enables the organization to collectively go the distance regardless of environment, economical and legislative shifts and obstacles. Heather V. MacArthur, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025 The latter is much more economical than the full box, of course, yet includes virtually all of the copious music (if none of the trinkets), save for a couple of tracks that appear to be exclusive to vinyl. Chris Willman, Variety, 12 Sep. 2025 Freyne does a lot with a modest budget, finding smart ways to show us fantastical things — memories playing out as if dioramas at the Natural History Museum, a vast expo hall filled with stalls advertising various paradises — on an economical scale. Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2025 French press French presses are an easy and economical method for brewing bold, rich coffee. Mark Marino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for economical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for economical
Adjective
  • For example, the vibe of M&M’s upcoming Bakery Collection—which includes such flavors as cherry chocolate cupcake, lemon meringue pie, and peanut-butter cinnamon roll—is fun, not frugal.
    Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Those pledges – that will cost billions of euros, end austerity and test the country’s frugal mindset – resonated with many Czechs who have seen their real incomes plunge in recent years as the country tackled soaring inflation.
    Reuters 3 hr ago, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • According to a report from Clarify Capital, six-figure earners are flying economy, turning to discount grocery chains to hunt for better deals, getting thrifty with buying clothes, and scaling back on subscriptions.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2025
  • The couple make thrifty period epic films, ala Brutalist, this one cost $10M-$11M, with the acquisition price in the mid-to-high seven figures.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • That said, Gordon believes the sale announced by Tucker, who was promoted from Jack in the Box chief financial officer to CEO on March 31, is a prudent one.
    Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Oct. 2025
  • During my previous time on the board, my fellow members and I practiced prudent fiscal management that consistently extended the life of levies far beyond their original three-year term, some lasting as long as nine years.
    Grace Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • My brother-in-law was not what one calls a provident father.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 22 Aug. 2024
  • For example, many cities have begun allowing parents to help their children buy an apartment using their housing provident funds, a kind of compulsory saving program in China.
    Jacky Wong, WSJ, 16 Sep. 2022
Adjective
  • But the smile is now more sparing, at least on camera.
    Longreads, Longreads, 19 Dec. 2024
  • Mercy for violence, however, remained more sparing.
    New York Times, New York Times, 17 Nov. 2021

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Cite this Entry

“Economical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/economical. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

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