Synonym Chooser

How is the word frugal distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of frugal are economical, sparing, and thrifty. While all these words mean "careful in the use of one's money or resources," frugal implies absence of luxury and simplicity of lifestyle.

ran a frugal household

When might economical be a better fit than frugal?

The synonyms economical and frugal are sometimes interchangeable, but economical stresses prudent management, lack of wastefulness, and use of things to their best advantage.

an economical health-care plan

In what contexts can sparing take the place of frugal?

While in some cases nearly identical to frugal, sparing stresses abstention and restraint.

sparing in the offering of advice

When is thrifty a more appropriate choice than frugal?

The words thrifty and frugal can be used in similar contexts, but 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 frugal Hom is frugal with energy in ways that go beyond heating and cooling. Roxana Popescu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Aug. 2025 Previous city managers appear to have been no more frugal. Ella McCarthy, Austin American Statesman, 31 July 2025 The audacious concept claimed 120-mile-per-gallon (2 liters-per-100-kilometer) fuel economy from a frugal, 185-cc Honda engine, connected to boat-trailer tires through a five-speed gearbox. IEEE Spectrum, 29 July 2025 Other successes like Mark Cuban and Keke Palmer, who similarly came from humble beginnings, echo his frugal habits and anxieties. Preston Fore, Fortune, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for frugal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frugal
Adjective
  • This ensures safe, efficient, and economical treatment of a wide range of battery designs.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 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
Adjective
  • According to Amazon shoppers, this thrifty top can hold up, wear after wear.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 2 Sep. 2025
  • Keurig Dr Pepper has been looking to raise its appeal with thrifty shoppers who prefer to drink their coffee at home, while also venturing into cold coffee offerings in a bid to attract the Starbucks and Dunkin’ clientele.
    Ruxandra Iordache,Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Frugal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frugal. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on frugal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!