economize

[ ih-kon-uh-mahyz ]

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

/ ɪˈkɒnəˌmaɪz /

verb

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

Derived Forms

• eˌconomiˈzation, noun

Other Word Forms

• une·cono·mizing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of economize¹

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

Example Sentences

The retired construction worker from Los Angeles said prices were already high, but the financial turmoil and fear of inflation fueled by President Trump’s tariffs have added pressure to economize.

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

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

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

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

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• conserve
• cut down
• scrimp