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 Balancing Thrift and Pursuing Expensive Excitement The balance between being thrifty while seeking fun and adventure, has been playing out in the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, an event drawing thousands of young people to the California desert. Jack Kelly, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025 This is no thrifty budget Blumhouse movie, rather two robotic women beating the crap out of each other. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2025 The speaker is like the ant from Aesop’s fable, thrifty and responsible, willing to defer gratification until a more suitable time. A.o. Scott, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025 Not only is saving Parmesan rinds a thrifty move, but cooking with them is an easy way to inject flavor into so many of your favorite dishes. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 18 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for thrifty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thrifty
Adjective
  • All those years of churning out newsweekly copy helped make Whitaker an instinctive crafter of miniature character arcs who chooses the right details and paints portraits with swift, economical strokes.
    Chris Vognar, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2025
  • Often situated right next to HomeGoods, many people forget about this flourishing neighbor when on the hunt for economical home finds.
    Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • In ballparks from Pittsburgh to Seattle to Tampa Bay, fans have implored frugal owners to get out of the baseball business.
    Andy McCullough, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Rheinmetall has soared 150% thanks largely to the German parliament’s commitment in March to create a fund to spend more than $500 million on defense and infrastructure over 12 years, a stark departure from the nation’s longstanding frugal spending policies.
    Hank Tucker, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Thrifty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thrifty. Accessed 13 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on thrifty

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