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

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

Utah is one of the most thrifty places on the planet. —ABC News, 22 Dec. 2024

Everyone is leaning eclectic and thrifty: The pendulum has officially swung away from perfectly put-together. —Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 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