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Synonyms

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

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)

"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

Other Word Forms

  • economization noun
  • uneconomizing adjective

Etymology

Origin of economize

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

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.

Banks would economize on their reserve holdings and, in turn, depend less on reserves.

From Barron's

He pointed to resilient consumer spending, continued business investment, and rising productivity, while acknowledging pressure on lower-income households that are trading down and trying to economize.

From Barron's

“Our strategy is to economize on the less important stuff but never save money on the stuff that really matters,” said Terekh, who used to run a company manufacturing furniture for Ukraine’s middle class.

From The Wall Street Journal

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