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

Budgeting is always a factor, but Gaines offers a thrifty solution by shopping your own home. —Isabella Milano, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Nov. 2024

Conversely, for overseas tourists visiting the UK, a trip to a Wetherspoon can be a way to understand and ingratiate themselves with the country — not to mention get a thrifty brunch. —Will Noble, CNN, 23 Nov. 2024

This team is a long shot to make the playoffs , which may wake up, the thrifty billionaire , Dewitt to make some way overdue changes to the front office, player development , etc This team has too much successful history to miss the playoffs in back to back years, which seems likely . —Jim Bowden, The Athletic, 12 Aug. 2024

Its unique design adds dimension and a thrifty style to any room. —Hannah Rice, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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