economical

adjective

eco·​nom·​i·​cal ˌe-kə-ˈnä-mi-kəl How to pronounce economical (audio)
ˌē-kə-
Synonyms of economical
1
: marked by careful, efficient, and prudent use of resources : thrifty
an economical shopper
2
: operating with little waste or at a saving
an economical car
3
archaic : economic sense 5

Synonyms of economical

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sparing, frugal, thrifty, economical mean careful in the use of one's money or resources.

sparing stresses abstention and restraint.

sparing in the offering of advice

frugal implies absence of luxury and simplicity of lifestyle.

ran a frugal household

thrifty stresses good management and industry.

thrifty use of nonrenewable resources

economical stresses prudent management, lack of wastefulness, and use of things to their best advantage.

an economical health care plan

Examples of economical in a Sentence

an economical way to heat your house a practical and economical solution to the problem
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Although Ventura County already procures renewable electricity through a community choice energy program, local generation is expected to offer a more economical route to meeting its sustainability targets. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026 Stax so his drumming was so solid and in the pocket, economical with his high hats, a joy to hear. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 23 Aug. 2026 That concision is evident in an almost brutally economical edit and in sharp, precise writing which provides narrative elements and deftly sketches character before moving busily on. — Caspar Salmon, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026 Research shows internal mobility is far more economical than external hiring, but requires strong relational capital. — Susan Lamotte, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for economical

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin oeconomicus "relating to domestic affairs, economic" + -al entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of economical was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing economical

Rhymes for economical

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Cite this Entry

“Economical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/economical. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

economical

adjective
ec·​o·​nom·​i·​cal
ˌek-ə-ˈnäm-i-kəl, 
ˌē-kə-
1
: using resources with care and without waste
2
: operating with little waste or at a savings
an economical car
economically
-i-k(ə-)lē
adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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