WASTEFUL Synonyms: 71 Similar and Opposite Words

wasteful

adjective

ˈwāst-fəl

Definition of wasteful

as in extravagant

given to spending money freely or foolishly my one wasteful child always seemed to run out of money by midweek

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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 wasteful The Broward Water Partnership is offering rebates for people willing to swap their toilets for less wasteful models to help the environment and their bank account. — Isabel Rivera, Miami Herald, 12 Aug. 2026 Taken together, these moves seem to falsely imply that home- and community-based services (HCBS) are wasteful, rather than essential. — Barbara Merrill, Time, 11 Aug. 2026 One of Gary Graves’ biggest strengths as a dramatist is that nary a word feels wasteful when written by him. — Charles Lewis Iii, Mercury News, 6 Aug. 2026 In a statement, Huffines pledged to cut wasteful spending, protect state tax dollars and deliver property tax relief to Texans. — Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wasteful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wasteful

Adjective

Despite all of this potential economic turmoil on the Canadian side, Carney still concluded that at the end of the day, the cost of acceding to Washington’s extravagant demands was higher than the cost of job losses and strain on a key industry.

— Daniel DePetris, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
Their journey leads them through an extravagant amusement park built on the grounds of a drug lord’s former estate.

— Leo Barraclough, Variety, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of extravagant

Adjective

Just as life in industrial urban centers in the nineteenth century caused hardship in rural villages, the profligate lifestyles enjoyed by those of us in the Global North are underwritten by the immiseration of those in the Global South.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 July 2026
Avoid the impulse to label someone as cheap or profligate after one or two dates, AARP advises.

— Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 6 June 2026

Definition of profligate

Adjective

In many states, including Maryland, debtors may exempt substantial assets from bankruptcy, including retirement accounts, spendthrift trusts and substantial equity in real estate (unlimited in Texas).

— George Liebmann, Baltimore Sun, 11 Apr. 2026
The bottom line was that the Trust was not a spendthrift trust under Illinois law.

— Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2026

Definition of spendthrift

Adjective

Despite the very real tensions and ramifications of Harry’s decision to go public with his and Meghan’s experiences and criticisms, his prodigal son position is, and frankly, has always been, a boon for the Firm.

— Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026
There’s nothing more inspiring — and dangerous — than the prodigal son hired to fix his old team.

— Chris Branch, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of prodigal

Adjective

In NyKayla’s case, prosecutors could only reach a meaningful sentence by charging the gun’s owner with reckless endangerment after a child was already dead.

— Brittany Berlin, Baltimore Sun, 25 Aug. 2026
Groups of kids, some as young as elementary school age, tear through our streets at reckless speeds with no regard for pedestrians.

— Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Aug. 2026