Synonyms

thrifty

American

[thrif-tee] / ˈθrɪf ti /

adjective

thriftier, thriftiest

practicing thrift or economical management; frugal.

a thrifty shopper.

Synonyms:

saving, sparing
thriving, prosperous, or successful.
thriving physically; growing vigorously.

thrifty British

/ ˈθrɪftɪ /

adjective

showing thrift; economical or frugal
rare thriving or prospering

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Related Words

See frugal.

Other Word Forms

overthriftily adverb
overthriftiness noun
overthrifty adjective
thriftily adverb
thriftiness noun
unthriftily adverb
unthriftiness noun
unthrifty adjective

Etymology

Origin of thrifty

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English; thrift, -y ¹

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.

In “The Millionaire Next Door,” Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko describe wealthy Americans as thrifty saver-investors who have long cured themselves of any taste for luxury.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 8, 2026

Fairly early in his lengthy investment career, in the mid-1960s, this thrifty son of Yorkshire, England, grew besotted with speculative small-cap stocks.

From Barron's • Dec. 31, 2025

Here are some other thrifty gifting tips from experts:

From MarketWatch • Nov. 19, 2025

Two cost of living fairs in a county aimed to lift "the taboo of wanting to save money and to be thrifty", said their organiser.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2025

Mrs. V explains to Mom how this is exactly right tor me, and Mom, instead of being practical and sensible and thrifty like she usually is, seems to agree.

From "Out of My Mind" by Sharon M. Draper

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023