economize

[ ih-kon-uh-mahyz ]

verb (used without object)

, e·con·o·mized, e·con·o·miz·ing.

1. to practice economy; avoid waste or extravagance.

   Synonyms: husband, conserve, save

verb (used with object)

, e·con·o·mized, e·con·o·miz·ing.

1. to manage economically; use sparingly or frugally.

   Synonyms: husband, conserve, save

economize

/ ɪˈkɒnəˌmaɪz /

verb

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

Derived Forms

• eˌconomiˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• une·cono·mizing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of economize¹

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

Example Sentences

Another way couples economize on weddings is to have that dream destination wedding, knowing that some people just won’t go.

From Slate

By February, heads of artillery units in several regions said they had less than 10% of the supplies they needed as Kyiv rushed to economize shells.

From Seattle Times

Desperate to economize shells, military leaders ordered units to fire at only precise targets.

From Seattle Times

Louvigny’s careful efforts to economize have “demonstrated how fragile a lower-middle-class life has become,” Paula told me.

From New York Times

“He’s a power strikeout pitcher, but a lot of those pitchers have to learn how to economize to get deeper into games, and I know he wants to get into the seventh inning every time he pitches.”

From Washington Times

Related Words

• conserve
• cut down
• scrimp