economize

American  

[ih-kon-uh-mahyz] / ɪˈkɒn əˌmaɪz /

especially British, economise

verb (used without object)

economized, economizing

1. to practice economy; avoid waste or extravagance.

   Synonyms:

   husband, conserve, save

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verb (used with object)

economized, economizing

1. to manage economically; use sparingly or frugally.

   Synonyms:

   husband, conserve, save

economize British  

/ ɪˈkɒnəˌmaɪz /

verb

1. (often foll by on) to limit or reduce (expense, waste, etc)

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Other Word Forms

• economization noun
• uneconomizing adjective

Etymology

Origin of economize

First recorded in 1640–50; econom(y) + -ize

Example Sentences

Investment in AI will keep boosting stocks, spending by wealthier people will support the economy as the less well-off economize, and uncertainty about trade will diminish, but remain a factor.

From Barron's

Even if some consumers are feeling skittish about Thanksgiving, experts are quick to point out there are always ways to economize for the holiday.

From MarketWatch

In France, we really had to economize how we shoot things.

From Los Angeles Times

You figure out what wording makes this joke concise, how to economize with words instead of overtalking, like I’m doing right now.

From Los Angeles Times

She began with an incisive reading of Webern’s Six Pieces for Orchestra, keeping her conducting elegantly restrained, even economized — gestures that befitted this sharply angled, brief set.

From New York Times

Related Words

• conserve
• cut down
• scrimp