Definitions

frugal

[froo-guhl] / ˈfru gəl /

ADJECTIVE

economical

Synonyms

STRONGEST

canny careful meticulous prudent stingy thrifty

WEAK

abstemious chary conserving discreet meager mingy parsimonious penny-pinching penny-wise preserving provident saving scrimping sparing spartan tight tightwad unwasteful wary

Antonyms

STRONGEST

careless incautious spendthrift wasteful

WEAK

generous lavish spendthrifty uneconomical

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

They’re very frugal and save a lot, yet they also have a “can’t take it with us” mindset.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026

Because in terms of spending alone, this window was by no means frugal.

From BBC • Feb. 3, 2026

The companies winning today are those that have localized their supply chains and their design language to match a more frugal, nationalistic and tech-savvy consumer.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 27, 2026

But even frugal Germany signed on, despite its longstanding opposition to this funding model.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 19, 2025

The frugal doctor put that off as long as possible.

From "The Shakespeare Stealer" by Gary L. Blackwood

Vocabulary lists containing frugal

100 Top "SAT" Words

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Grade 10, List 1

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"The Necklace" by Guy de Maupassant

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