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

Strip Shingles, also called three-tab, are the most basic and economical, but have the shortest lifespan (typically have a 20-30 year warranty). —Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 19 Feb. 2026

Still to come are an accessible junior suite, four two-bedroom family villas, and four smaller standard rooms, which won't have their own pool or terrace but will offer a more economical entry point into the property. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Feb. 2026

Gateway is modified to first repair the old 1910 tunnel immediately and construct a more economical new tunnel (without expensive and unneeded bench walls and cross-connecting passageways) and link it directly into Penn Station. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 16 Feb. 2026

Therefore energy dominance isn’t just an economical policy, its imperative. —Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026