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
• mean
• tight
• penny-pinching
• niggardly
• niggard
• 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

Examples of frugal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Annual price increases for many purchases have already slowed below the Fed’s overall 2% target, and some are outright declining as companies slash prices and dangle discounts to lure increasingly frugal shoppers. —Rob Wile, NBC News, 14 Aug. 2024

The International Olympic Committee hopes to right the ship, starting with the Paris Games: The nongovernmental sports organization is aiming to take a more frugal and greener approach than in years past. —Alicia Wallace, CNN, 26 July 2024

So, how has Paris managed to host a frugal Olympics? —CNBC, 13 Aug. 2024

Although retail costs have moderated, Gottlieb says her property taxes - along with health, homeowners and auto insurance have soared - keeping her in frugal mode. —Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 12 Aug. 2024