Synonyms of thrifty

thrifty

adjective

ˈthrif-tē 

as in economical

careful in the management of money or resources

if you are thrifty, you can find ways to decorate your room stylishly yet inexpensively

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Chooser

How is the word thrifty distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of thrifty are economical, frugal, and sparing. While all these words mean "careful in the use of one's money or resources," thrifty stresses good management and industry.

thrifty use of nonrenewable resources

When is economical a more appropriate choice than thrifty?

Although the words economical and thrifty have much in common, economical stresses prudent management, lack of wastefulness, and use of things to their best advantage.

an economical health-care plan

When can frugal be used instead of thrifty?

The meanings of frugal and thrifty largely overlap; however, frugal implies absence of luxury and simplicity of lifestyle.

ran a frugal household

When would sparing be a good substitute for thrifty?

The words sparing and thrifty can be used in similar contexts, but sparing stresses abstention and restraint.

sparing in the offering of advice

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of thrifty

What started out as a thrifty practice has become an unofficial commandment of Southern kitchens—don't waste one drop of tasty bacon grease. —Josh Miller, Southern Living, 8 Mar. 2026

Budgeting is always a factor, but Gaines offers a thrifty solution by shopping your own home. —Isabella Milano, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Jan. 2026

My grandmother, a thrifty New Englander, and my grandfather, a prudent politician, believed that wrapping gifts, only to burn the wrapping paper, was an extravagant waste of time and money. —Monitor Staff, Christian Science Monitor, 19 Dec. 2025

David Paul Morris | Bloomberg | Getty Images Darden Restaurants on Thursday reported strong sales growth, fueled by demand at Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse as thrifty diners look for good deals. —Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 18 Dec. 2025