economized; economizing
Synonyms of economize

intransitive verb

: to practice economy : be frugal

transitive verb

: to use frugally : save
economizer noun

Examples of economize in a Sentence

He was born into a wealthy family and never learned to economize. in tough times people learn how to economize
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.
But Wang has incorporated drones and AI into his family’s farm in an effort to modernize and economize the work. — Rafi Schwartz, TheWeek, 21 Oct. 2026 Chang and his partner, Tina Chhous, try to economize by buying generic brands of food and medicine. — ABC News, 25 July 2026 Many consumers are also planning to economize on clothes, shoes, hobby items, and toys and games, the survey found. — Christopher Rugaber, Fortune, 26 May 2026 In short, economizing on non-defense outlays simply has to bring mandatory spending under review. — Editorial, Boston Herald, 17 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for economize

Word History

Etymology

economy entry 1 + -ize

First Known Use

1780, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of economize was in 1780

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Economize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/economize. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

economized; economizing
1
: to practice economy : be thrifty
economize on fuel
2
: to use less of : save
economize fuel
economizer noun
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster