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

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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

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of economical Sure, space is needed for potential growth, but operating at less than 80% capacity isn’t economical from a facilities management perspective or from an educational perspective. —

Chicago Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025 Signed to an economical three-year $15 million contract in 2023, Richards is in the second season of his contract and his 2025-26 salary is non-guaranteed, not becoming fully guaranteed until June 29 if he’s not waived by then. —

Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 16 Jan. 2025 The Shroom coffee comes pre-ground for drip brewing or pour-over, and is also one of the most economical, as it can be purchased in a variety of sizes, from four ounces packages up to five-pound bags, the latter of which only costs 97¢ per ounce. —

Adam Campbell-Schmitt, Bon Appétit, 8 Jan. 2025 However, some bridges offer a more economical entry point. —

Jack Kelly, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for economical

Recent Examples of Synonyms for economical

Adjective

The need to look frugal Through it all, administrations and Congress kept looking for ways to look frugal.

— Ron Elving, NPR, 7 Dec. 2024
According to Goddard, who has served as Phoenix mayor and as Arizona attorney general, the state must continue its existing progress in frugal water use.

— Austin Corona, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024