Synonyms of economical

economical

adjective

ˌe-kə-ˈnä-mi-kəl 

as in economizing

careful in the management of money or resources

we have to be economical in our use of the camp's limited supply of electricity

Synonyms & Similar Words

• economizing
• saving
• frugal
• thrifty
• prudent
• conserving
• provident
• sparing
• cheap
• preserving
• scrimping
• foresighted
• parsimonious
• forehanded
• close
• foresightful
• spare
• penny-wise
• miserly
• tight
• stingy
• penurious
• mean
• pinching
• tightfisted
• penny-pinching
• stinting
• closefisted

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• wasteful
• profligate
• spendthrift
• unthrifty
• prodigal
• liberal
• generous
• improvident
• charitable
• shortsighted
• unselfish
• bountiful
• munificent
• thriftless
• extravagant
• unsparing
• squandering
• lavish
• indulgent
• openhanded
• freehanded

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

Recent Examples of economical

With its diesel plug-in hybrid powertrain, the XL1 was the most economical production car of its time. — New Atlas, 15 Sep. 2026

One project in Phoenix is testing on-site baling and on-demand pickups for manufacturers, hospitals and other businesses that generate too little flexible-plastic waste to make conventional collection economical. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026

Although Ventura County already procures renewable electricity through a community choice energy program, local generation is expected to offer a more economical route to meeting its sustainability targets. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026

Stax so his drumming was so solid and in the pocket, economical with his high hats, a joy to hear. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 23 Aug. 2026