thrifty

adjective

ˈthrif-tē 

thriftier; thriftiest

1

: given to or marked by economy and good management

2

: thriving by industry and frugality : prosperous

3

: growing vigorously

thriftily

ˈthrif-tə-lē 

adverb

thriftiness

ˈthrif-tē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• economical
• economizing
• frugal
• provident
• scrimping
• sparing

Choose the Right Synonym for thrifty

sparing, frugal, thrifty, economical mean careful in the use of one's money or resources.

sparing stresses abstention and restraint.

sparing in the offering of advice

frugal implies absence of luxury and simplicity of lifestyle.

ran a frugal household

thrifty stresses good management and industry.

thrifty use of nonrenewable resources

economical stresses prudent management, lack of wastefulness, and use of things to their best advantage.

an economical health care plan

Examples of thrifty in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Two of Colorado’s largest independent craft breweries are merging Vote (again) in the final round of our green chile bracket But fresh, homemade pasta dishes can be just as thrifty and pack even more flavor at dinnertime. —Tribune News Service, Denver Post, 1 Apr. 2025

These garments reflect the royal family’s thrifty mindset and offer a glimpse into their childhood years. —Simon Perry, People.com, 10 Mar. 2025

After Benedict retired and Francis replaced him in 2013, the new pope spurned Castel Gandolfo and impressed the international media with his down-to-earth demeanor and thrifty trimmings. —Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2025

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, 18 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for thrifty

• fifty
• nifty
• shifty
• unthrifty

Kids Definition

thrifty

adjective

ˈthrif-tē 

thriftier; thriftiest

1

: doing well because of hard work and thrift : prosperous

2

: growing strongly

thrifty cattle

3

: tending to save money

thriftily

-tə-lē 

adverb