ECONOMICAL Synonyms: 51 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

economical

adjective

ˌe-kə-ˈnä-mi-kəl

Definition of economical next

as in economizing

careful in the management of money or resources we have to be economical in our use of the camp's limited supply of electricity

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 While cloud services can be economical, many companies are surprised by expenses related to data transfer and storage and other services. —

Expert Panel®, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024 Addressing these in the design phase was far more economical than implementing changes post-launch. —

Tina Gada, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for economical

Recent Examples of Synonyms for economical

Adjective

The fragile baubles were embellished with tiny beads and sequins and stuffed with dryer lint—Big Mama was notoriously frugal.

Katie Akin, Southern Living, 5 Dec. 2024
Still, Anderson’s contract is not prohibitive even for more frugal teams.

Sam Blum, The Athletic, 25 Nov. 2024