Synonym Chooser

How is the word economical distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of economical are frugal, sparing, and thrifty. While all these words mean "careful in the use of one's money or resources," economical stresses prudent management, lack of wastefulness, and use of things to their best advantage.

an economical health-care plan

When could frugal be used to replace economical?

While the synonyms frugal and economical are close in meaning, frugal implies absence of luxury and simplicity of lifestyle.

ran a frugal household

When is it sensible to use sparing instead of economical?

The meanings of sparing and economical largely overlap; however, sparing stresses abstention and restraint.

sparing in the offering of advice

When can thrifty be used instead of economical?

The words thrifty and economical are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, thrifty stresses good management and industry.

thrifty use of nonrenewable resources

Examples 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 economical EVs will be the most economical option for consumers, and by a growing margin. Energy Innovation: Policy and Technology, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025 Lighting is readily available and often economical, from glass and brass to wood and ceramic. Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2025 If Washington prefers to see Syria weak and divided, a garrison of 2,000 troops is arguably an economical approach to keeping it that way. Steven Simon, Foreign Affairs, 3 Jan. 2025 Remaining Time The beachside setting informed the design of the hotel, and all materials are reclaimed or repurposed and locally sourced, including eco-friendly and economical driftwood that’s prominently employed throughout the property. Shivani Vora, Architectural Digest, 30 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for economical 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for economical
Adjective
  • There is so much in the ether telling us not to be frugal.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Newsom started out frugal, at 5.56% in 2019-20 and 5.87% the next year.
    John Seiler, Orange County Register, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Like McDonald’s, Burger King launched a $5 value meal over the summer to appeal to thrifty consumers.
    Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Those found in supercomputers and data centers need to be similarly thrifty with power, because the electricity to run these facilities often costs their owners millions of dollars a year.
    Adrian Sampson, IEEE Spectrum, 26 Sep. 2013
Adjective
  • All but one speaker on the matter urged the city away from renewing the deal or encouraged officials to be prudent in any contract decisions.
    Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2025
  • If any South Carolina lawmakers are unsure about the need to bring the state’s top marginal income tax rate down further in order to be more competitive, Governor Brian Kemp (R-Ga.) recently demonstrated why Speaker Smith’s proposal is prudent.
    Patrick Gleason, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • My brother-in-law was not what one calls a provident father.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 22 Aug. 2024
  • For example, many cities have begun allowing parents to help their children buy an apartment using their housing provident funds, a kind of compulsory saving program in China.
    Jacky Wong, WSJ, 16 Sep. 2022
Adjective
  • But the smile is now more sparing, at least on camera.
    Longreads, Longreads, 19 Dec. 2024
  • Mercy for violence, however, remained more sparing.
    New York Times, New York Times, 17 Nov. 2021

Thesaurus Entries Near economical

Cite this Entry

“Economical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/economical. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on economical

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!