—Synonyms 1. saving, provident, sparing, parsimonious. Economical, thrifty, frugal imply careful and saving use of resources. Economical implies prudent planning in the disposition of resources so as to avoid unnecessary waste or expense: economical in budgeting household expenditures. Thrifty is a stronger word than economical, and adds to it the idea of industry and successful management: a thrifty shopper looking for bargains. Frugal emphasizes being saving, sometimes excessively saving, esp. in such matters as food or dress: frugal almost to the point of being stingy.

—Antonyms 1. wasteful, extravagant, spendthrift, prodigal, profligate.