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 book also provides a glimpse of the frugal life led by monks as well as the complexity of human existence in South Asia’s rural pockets. —

The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 20 Dec. 2024 Her frugal immigrant parents bring their own food, and Nate’s meddlesome mom harangues her son about his career and her desperation for a grandchild. —

Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 15 Dec. 2024 For these parents, frugal habits start at home American Ben Shelton moves on, Andy Murray pulls out at Wimbledon The crucial questions about gender care are not political or legal CMS moves to patch $3 billion fraud problem This hospital is not only treating gun violence. —

Washington Post, 25 July 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for frugal