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.
Many nurseries or garden centers have soil tests available that are economical and easy to use. — Lauren David, Southern Living, 5 July 2026 For a less crowded and more economical trip, try visiting in one of the liminal seasons, fall or spring. — Sierra Vandervort, Travel + Leisure, 20 June 2026 At these densities, air cooling is often no longer sufficient or economical. — Phillip Marangella, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 Seeds are more economical; one to two packets are sufficient for a continuous harvest all season long. — Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 29 June 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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Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Economical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/economical. Accessed 7 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on economical

Nglish: Translation of economical for Spanish Speakers

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