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

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 thrifty 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 Consumers are getting thrifty, The Wall Street Journal reports. Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 23 Aug. 2025 To this day, baseball remains the most user-friendly ad environment, as its thrifty two-minute breaks are singularly unobtrusive. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 8 Aug. 2025 Meanwhile, someone might have advice about how to be thrifty. Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 20 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for thrifty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thrifty
Adjective
  • Professional teeth whitening services can cost hundreds of dollars, but an at-home remedy that’s both effective and economical can be a solid alternative.
    Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Ink-tank printers looked poised to become the better, more economical choice for the future of printing.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • For example, the vibe of M&M’s upcoming Bakery Collection—which includes such flavors as cherry chocolate cupcake, lemon meringue pie, and peanut-butter cinnamon roll—is fun, not frugal.
    Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Those pledges – that will cost billions of euros, end austerity and test the country’s frugal mindset – resonated with many Czechs who have seen their real incomes plunge in recent years as the country tackled soaring inflation.
    Reuters 3 hr ago, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Thrifty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thrifty. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on thrifty

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!