FRUGAL Synonyms: 51 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'frugal' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of frugal are economical , sparing , and thrifty . While all these words mean "careful in the use of one's money or resources," frugal implies absence of luxury and simplicity of lifestyle. // ran a frugal household

Q: When might 'economical' be a better fit than 'frugal'?

The synonyms economical and frugal are sometimes interchangeable, but economical stresses prudent management, lack of wastefulness, and use of things to their best advantage. // an economical health-care plan

Q: In what contexts can 'sparing' take the place of 'frugal'?

While in some cases nearly identical to frugal , sparing stresses abstention and restraint. // sparing in the offering of advice

Q: When is 'thrifty' a more appropriate choice than 'frugal'?

The words thrifty and frugal can be used in similar contexts, but thrifty stresses good management and industry. // thrifty use of nonrenewable resources

frugal

adjective

ˈfrü-gəl

Definition of frugal next

as in economical

careful in the management of money or resources by being frugal, the family is able to stretch its monthly budget

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word frugal distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of frugal are economical, sparing, and thrifty. While all these words mean "careful in the use of one's money or resources," frugal implies absence of luxury and simplicity of lifestyle.

ran a frugal household

When might economical be a better fit than frugal?

The synonyms economical and frugal are sometimes interchangeable, but economical stresses prudent management, lack of wastefulness, and use of things to their best advantage.

an economical health-care plan

In what contexts can sparing take the place of frugal?

While in some cases nearly identical to frugal, sparing stresses abstention and restraint.

sparing in the offering of advice

When is thrifty a more appropriate choice than frugal?

The words thrifty and frugal can be used in similar contexts, but thrifty stresses good management and industry.

thrifty use of nonrenewable resources

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of frugal The Carters' other frugal tendencies included spending weekends dining with neighbors on paper plates with bargain-brand wine, and making their own yogurt, the Post wrote. —

Tom Huddleston Jr.,sarah Berger, CNBC, 8 Jan. 2025 There were signs of the new, frugal era where people sat, however. —

Adam Crafton, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024 However, the team’s president has promised that the notoriously frugal owner John Fisher is open to making signings at the behest of Arena and general manager Chris Leitch. —

Joseph Dycus, The Mercury News, 19 Dec. 2024 Yet when my friends and I go on ski trips to the Continent, my frugal friend Michael, who lives in New York City, inevitably always rents the smallest car. —

Jen Murphy, Outside Online, 19 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for frugal