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 Pete Fairbanks, Tampa Bay Rays – Perhaps the most economical buy among available pitchers is this terrific closer, a steal at $3.82 million (with an $8 million club option or $1 million buyout for next year). Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025 Although the Hornets could benefit from having him around again, his economical contract expires next summer and can be also used in a trade. Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2025 For Earl, extreme day tripping has been a way of doing economical mini-adventures and a great opportunity to get a taste of different countries at his family’s doorstep. CNN Money, 23 June 2025 But, yes, Pelle, especially because of his economical contract, deserves consideration in any discussion of the Heat’s youth. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 1 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for economical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for economical
Adjective
  • Her father was an environmentalist, and the frugal sort.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 10 July 2025
  • Lotty, for instance, is the anxiously frugal wife of an upwardly mobile solicitor who wants the family to live within their means.
    Claire Jarvis, New Yorker, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • The movie was made for a thrifty $25M, 50% co-financed by Sony Pictures, and dealt with a production pause due to the strikes.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The Dell Inspiron 15 and the Asus Vivobook Go 15 are two other thrifty AMD laptops.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Compliance Simplified One can interpret the intention behind ASC 820 as aiding prudent investment decision making by increasing consistency, transparency and comparability in financial reporting.
    Tomas Milar, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • In accordance with the new laws that went into effect on July 1, condominium association directors are now able to use their best efforts with community reserve funds to make prudent investment decisions.
    L. Chere Trigg, Miami Herald, 17 July 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 24 Jul. 2025.

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