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 Supporters say the measure aims to cut wasteful government spending by requiring audits for new state special taxes. — Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026 Congressional Republicans got rid of the EV tax credit last year after long arguing that markets, not the government, should influence what Americans drive, and dubbed the tax credit wasteful spending. — Willa Rubin, NPR, 30 Sep. 2026 During the candidate forum, Kerfeld said the city government needs to cut down on wasteful spending. — Haley Parsley, Sacbee.com, 29 Sep. 2026 But Fazio, a state senator from Greenwich, also says Lamont and legislators have not done enough to cut wasteful spending, which then could have been redirected toward social services. — Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 19 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wasteful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wasteful

Adjective

But a new novel by Lucy Foley is setting Poirot aside and blowing the dust off the mild-mannered Marple by whisking her away to an extravagant Swiss Alps adventure.

— Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Oct. 2026
The ultimate reward isn’t retiring on a beach or buying something extravagant.

— Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of extravagant

Adjective

The combination of slow growth, high inflation, profligate spending, and soaring debt has stirred a revolt in financial markets.

— Jason Ma, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2026
Chicagoans expect Pritzker to defend us from profligate mayoral borrowing and spending, not add to it.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of profligate

Adjective

The decor could feel a little utilitarian, but that didn't bother me; the generous proportions and practical layout were more consequential.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Oct. 2026
The professionalization worked, but at the expense of the site’s internal culture, Cooke argues, as generous eccentrics were displaced by neurotic lovers of rules.

— Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of generous

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

Charles’s prodigal son is said to be working on a documentary about his mother pegged to the 30th anniversary of her death, and reportedly hopes to secure Spencer’s participation.

— Ashley Baker, Air Mail, 3 Oct. 2026
Bonny orchestrates a one-car parade for Cooper that’s half return of the prodigal, half humiliation ritual.

— Ryan Chapman, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of prodigal

Adjective

In addition, the jury found the two deputies acted with reckless disregard and awarded $10 million in punitive damages.

— Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
Chiu was convicted of murder, second-degree robbery, assault with a firearm and reckless evasion of police.

— Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of reckless

Adjective

Josh Hoover may have been a bit careless, but every game TCU has played this season is another painful example how badly both his old school, and coach, miss him.

— Mac Engel October 14, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Oct. 2026
According to police, the driver was cited for careless driving.

— Ryan Hughes, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of careless

Adjective

Zygielbaum says the highly competitive Congressional District 8 spans both counties with Adams leaning liberal and Weld conservative.

— Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
During Wednesday’s debate, Marshall repeatedly said a Hamilton victory would put Democrats in charge of the Senate and that Hamilton would vote with liberal Democrats.

— John Hanna, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026