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 The Alpaca Beanie: $12.99 (Amazon) Alpaca is a warm and economical fiber that is ideal for cold weather. Nora Colomer, Fox News, 23 Oct. 2024 Whoosh says its vehicles, expected to be up and running as part of the pilot scheme by 2027, could help reduce travel times and are twice as efficient as the most economical electric cars. Harry Booth, TIME, 17 Oct. 2024 Strong yet supple leather is a great choice for a passport holder, while vegan leather (typically PU) offers an alternative for those who prefer to avoid leather for ethical or economical reasons. Jessica MacDonald, Travel + Leisure, 15 Oct. 2024 The Kindle Paperwhite is one of the most economical ways to acquire and store books from both a monetary and space-saving standpoint. Quentyn Kennemer, The Verge, 2 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for economical 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for economical
Adjective
  • But a new trend is sweeping the other way — urging repurposing, more frugal lifestyles and prioritizing quality over quantity.
    Alicia Adamczyk, Fortune Europe, 13 Aug. 2024
  • The other side: He's been criticized for botching the end of the Bulls dynasty and has been maligned for frugal spending for both franchises.
    Justin Kaufmann, Axios, 17 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • Its unique design adds dimension and a thrifty style to any room.
    Hannah Rice, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2024
  • Wholesale clubs can be a particularly thrifty move for large or multiple families who can divvy up bulk supplies.
    Kate Gibson, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2024
Adjective
  • The company continues its strategy of maintaining a conservative capital structure with prudent leverage.
    Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024
  • And after the chaos Washington descended into following the 2020 election, analysts might be prudent to assume Trump wouldn’t take another loss without an intense battle.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2024
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

Thesaurus Entries Near economical

Cite this Entry

“Economical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/economical. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on economical

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