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 Green claims the way the three different motors work together means the ICE can run at 43.3% maximum thermal efficiency, which means even when running on combustion the fuel usage should be frugal. James Morris, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025 First-generation wealth builders tend to be more frugal, focusing on saving and spending less. Monish Verma, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025 When early May came and went, frugal concert fans noticed something amiss. Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 20 May 2025 Others are sticking to their frugal roots and charging $100 a night. Christopher Reynolds, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for frugal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frugal
Adjective
  • 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, 25 June 2025
  • In May, scientists assessed sleep data from more than 200,000 people in China and also found that rising ambient temperatures would have a huge physical, mental and economical impact on residents as the planet continued to warm.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 16 June 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

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Cite this Entry

“Frugal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frugal. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on frugal

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