WASTEFUL Synonyms: 71 Similar and Opposite Words

wasteful

adjective

ˈwāst-fəl

Definition of wasteful

as in extravagant

given to spending money freely or foolishly my one wasteful child always seemed to run out of money by midweek

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 wasteful Our health care system is wasteful, costly and complicated and desperately needs reform. — U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026 Many come in numerous pill packets, which some users feel is wasteful. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026 The Broward Water Partnership is offering rebates for people willing to swap their toilets for less wasteful models to help the environment and their bank account. — Isabel Rivera, Miami Herald, 12 Aug. 2026 Taken together, these moves seem to falsely imply that home- and community-based services (HCBS) are wasteful, rather than essential. — Barbara Merrill, Time, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wasteful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wasteful

Adjective

As the Times report noted, the Met Gala, an extravagant event held in tandem with the Costume Institute’s spring show, is typically held on the first Monday in May.

— Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 31 Aug. 2026
But there was a twist, gaining access to the yacht’s extravagant amenities wouldn’t be so simple.

— Peter White, Deadline, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of extravagant

Adjective

This shift occasioned the profligate production that would mark her oeuvre, with Kusama going on to make hundreds of paintings in which forests of lines and dots cradled variously floral and phallic figures.

— News Desk, Artforum, 27 Aug. 2026
Just as life in industrial urban centers in the nineteenth century caused hardship in rural villages, the profligate lifestyles enjoyed by those of us in the Global North are underwritten by the immiseration of those in the Global South.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 July 2026

Definition of profligate

Adjective

But the attendance announced by USC — 51,144 — admittedly felt generous.

— Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
The upcoming docuseries showcases a raw record of his life from the generous, vulnerable and wisecracking side of Perry to new details about his offscreen battles with drugs and alcohol, according to the logline.

— Kalia Richardson, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of generous

Adjective

In many states, including Maryland, debtors may exempt substantial assets from bankruptcy, including retirement accounts, spendthrift trusts and substantial equity in real estate (unlimited in Texas).

— George Liebmann, Baltimore Sun, 11 Apr. 2026
The bottom line was that the Trust was not a spendthrift trust under Illinois law.

— Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2026

Definition of spendthrift

Adjective

Despite the very real tensions and ramifications of Harry’s decision to go public with his and Meghan’s experiences and criticisms, his prodigal son position is, and frankly, has always been, a boon for the Firm.

— Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026
There’s nothing more inspiring — and dangerous — than the prodigal son hired to fix his old team.

— Chris Branch, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of prodigal

Adjective

Pearson faces charges of second-degree death by vessel, operating a vessel under the influence, reckless operation, operating without a safety certificate and failure to keep a proper lookout.

— Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2026
The other two teens were charged with second-degree reckless endangerment, second-degree threatening and second-degree breach of peace.

— Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of reckless

Adjective

As part of the plea agreement, the prosecution amended the first charge to reckless driving, second offense, and the second charge to a careless driving citation.

— Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 2 Sep. 2026
Steele accepted the reduced charge, along with a separate careless-driving citation, and suspended the athlete’s driver’s license for five years.

— Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of careless

Adjective

Petrov pointed to the Yabloko party, the longtime voice of the liberal opposition that campaigns for an end to the war.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026
In those rulings, Roberts joined with the court’s three liberal justices and at least one other conservative justice.

— Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026