PARSIMONIOUS Synonyms: 94 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'parsimonious' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of parsimonious are close , miserly , niggardly , penurious , and stingy . While all these words mean "being unwilling or showing unwillingness to share with others," parsimonious suggests a frugality so extreme as to lead to stinginess. // a parsimonious lifestyle notably lacking in luxuries

Q: When could 'close' be used to replace 'parsimonious'?

While in some cases nearly identical to parsimonious , close suggests keeping a tight grip on one's money and possessions. // folks who are very close when charity calls

Q: When is it sensible to use 'miserly' instead of 'parsimonious'?

The meanings of miserly and parsimonious largely overlap; however, miserly suggests a sordid avariciousness and a morbid pleasure in hoarding. // a miserly couple devoid of social conscience

Q: Where would 'niggardly' be a reasonable alternative to 'parsimonious'?

While the synonyms niggardly and parsimonious are close in meaning, niggardly implies giving or spending the very smallest amount possible. // the niggardly amount budgeted for the town library

Q: When would 'penurious' be a good substitute for 'parsimonious'?

The words penurious and parsimonious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, penurious implies niggardliness that gives an appearance of actual poverty. // the penurious eccentric bequeathed a fortune

Q: In what contexts can 'stingy' take the place of 'parsimonious'?

In some situations, the words stingy and parsimonious are roughly equivalent. However, stingy implies a marked lack of generosity. // a stingy child, not given to sharing

parsimonious

adjective

ˌpär-sə-ˈmō-nē-əs

Definition of parsimonious next

as in careful

giving or sharing as little as possible a parsimonious woman who insists that charity begins—and ends—at home

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How does the adjective parsimonious contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of parsimonious are close, miserly, niggardly, penurious, and stingy. While all these words mean "being unwilling or showing unwillingness to share with others," parsimonious suggests a frugality so extreme as to lead to stinginess.

a parsimonious lifestyle notably lacking in luxuries

When could close be used to replace parsimonious?

While in some cases nearly identical to parsimonious, close suggests keeping a tight grip on one's money and possessions.

folks who are very close when charity calls

When is it sensible to use miserly instead of parsimonious?

The meanings of miserly and parsimonious largely overlap; however, miserly suggests a sordid avariciousness and a morbid pleasure in hoarding.

a miserly couple devoid of social conscience

Where would niggardly be a reasonable alternative to parsimonious?

While the synonyms niggardly and parsimonious are close in meaning, niggardly implies giving or spending the very smallest amount possible.

the niggardly amount budgeted for the town library

When would penurious be a good substitute for parsimonious?

The words penurious and parsimonious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, penurious implies niggardliness that gives an appearance of actual poverty.

the penurious eccentric bequeathed a fortune

In what contexts can stingy take the place of parsimonious?

In some situations, the words stingy and parsimonious are roughly equivalent. However, stingy implies a marked lack of generosity.

a stingy child, not given to sharing

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of parsimonious The financial pressures of the toy industry forced Chung to be parsimonious. —

Patrick House, The New Yorker, 19 Mar. 2024 And sometimes the truest, most parsimonious explanation is just kind of boring. —

Andrew Marantz, The New Yorker, 11 Feb. 2024 That's probably why the recent program to observe the Crab emerged victorious in the stiff competition for JWST's precious observing time; the parsimonious prospect of solving two different mysteries with one set of observations is just the kind of thing scientists love. —

Phil Plait, Scientific American, 10 Nov. 2023 Serving Suggestions Giant cookies are, by nature, not meant for parsimonious consumption. —

Aleksandra Crapanzano, WSJ, 6 Dec. 2023 See all Example Sentences for parsimonious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for parsimonious

Adjective

Bass has employed a more careful and conciliatory tone.

— Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 25 Jan. 2025
Leopold cautioned immigrants of any religious, national or ethnic background to be careful traveling.

— Pioneer Press, Chicago Tribune, 25 Jan. 2025