frugal

adjective

ˈfrü-gəl How to pronounce frugal (audio)
Definition of frugalnext
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

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 frugal Other bids for frugal, fuss-free hair arrived in the form of low-hanging, loose ponytails, as seen at Cult Gaia, Tory Burch and Lii. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 15 Sep. 2026 Warren Buffett, whose net worth currently sits at about $144 billion, has long embraced a famously frugal lifestyle. — Preston Fore, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026 Some people experience frugal fatigue—the urge to splurge after long periods of strict spending. — Nancy Ashburn, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Aug. 2026 The addition of Weaver signals an unusually aggressive financial push by the typically frugal Pirates. — ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for frugal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frugal
  1. economical
  2. thrifty
Adjective
  • Conceived with an advanced hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system, the vessel has a range of approximately 6,500 nautical miles at an economical cruising speed of 12 knots.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 15 Oct. 2026
  • This is so economical and an effective supplement to love declarations.
    — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of economical
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

Browse Nearby Words

fructuous
frugal
frugality
See all Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

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

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