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

as in economical

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

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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

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of frugal Like Schwarzenegger before the Great Recession, but unlike frugal Jerry Brown, Gavin Newsom has not prepared the state fiscally to cope with emergencies. —John Seiler, Orange County Register, 17 Jan. 2025 In a video being shared online, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva urged Brazilians to be frugal when grocery shopping. —Louis Casiano, Fox News, 7 Feb. 2025 Another reader offered a potential solution, but the original poster said that wouldn’t work based on his family’s history of not being frugal. —Brian Anthony Hernandez, People.com, 2 Feb. 2025 If times were tough, frugal children gave Santa a price list comparison of local department stores. —Dawn Mitchell, The Enquirer, 26 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for frugal