Synonyms of frugal

frugal

adjective

ˈfrü-gəl 

as in economical

careful in the management of money or resources

by being frugal, the family is able to stretch its monthly budget

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

Recent Examples of frugal

Astros, Guardians Their injury list has a payroll greater than a bunch of frugal franchises, yet the Rangers keep humming along and applying pressure to their AL West counterparts. —Zack Meisel, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025

My final contribution is this frugal feast loaded with seasonal goodies that’s sure to earn top grades with your family and auditor. —Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Sep. 2025

Denver, frugal in other areas, charges the second-highest impact fee after Castle Rock at $27,333 — which includes the cost of providing more affordable housing and a forestry impact fee, Bozoki said. —Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 15 Sep. 2025

The most impressive part about the 2025 Honda Civic Si is its ability to play two lead roles—sporty in the canyons, yet very comfortable (and frugal with fuel) on the highway. —Michael Harley, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!