economical

adjective

ˌe-kə-ˈnä-mi-kəl How to pronounce economical (audio)
Definition of economicalnext
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

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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

Example 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 Surely, the more efficient and economical approach would be to build a common fighter with a naval variant. — New Atlas, 4 Oct. 2026 For a more economical option, a recording-only version of the show will be screened on select Sundays and weeknights during the Sacramento run. — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026 Rival executives laud the company for investing in new ideas but wonder if there’s a more economical way to do so. — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026 If modernization isn’t feasible soon, running such workloads on-premises may be more stable and economical than forcing a cloud lift-and-shift. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 24 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for economical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for economical
  1. saving
  2. frugal
  3. thrifty
  4. prudent
  5. provident
  6. sparing
Adjective
  • It can be stripped through re-saving or format conversion, which is why the two systems are meant to complement each other.
    — Anisha Sircar, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Less saving and more investment mean more competitive bidding for funds and therefore higher interest rates.
    — Kenneth S. Rogoff, Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of saving
Adjective
  • Throughout the year, these frugal teams have accomplished quite a bit while matching up against the league’s high rollers.
    — Isaac Tellechea, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026
  • And there was like that frugal DIY part of me that was like, ‘That’s ridiculous, man.
    — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of frugal
Adjective
  • The league intends to address the wide financial gulf between their top-spending clubs and their thriftiest, despite the success of small-market teams this postseason.
    — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The thrifty Rays clinched their fifth AL East title with a 6-1 victory over the New York Yankees in the second game of a day-night doubleheader Tuesday as Drew Rasmussen allowed one hit in 6 2/3 innings and Yandy Díaz hit a pair of two-run singles.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of thrifty
Adjective
  • The Royals still must try to be prudent in fixing their relief unit.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Payton will certainly want to prove his decision to take over play-calling from offensive coordinator Davis Webb was a prudent one.
    — Sam Jane, Denver Post, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of prudent
Adjective
  • The ordinance also recognizes domestic workers as formal workers and extends protections to employees of non-profit organizations, including eligibility for provident fund and pension schemes.
    — Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 21 Nov. 2025
  • For example, many cities have begun allowing parents to help their children buy an apartment using their housing provident funds, a kind of compulsory saving program in China.
    — Jacky Wong, WSJ, 16 Sep. 2022
Definition of provident
Adjective
  • In other cases, the redactions were more sparing.
    — Joe Walsh, CBS News, 19 Dec. 2025
Definition of sparing

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Cite this Entry

“Economical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/economical. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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