frugal crossword clue – All Crossword Answers

Q: What does 'frugal' mean in crosswords?

In crosswords, 'frugal' typically refers to being economical, thrifty, or careful with resources, often appearing as synonyms like SPARING, THRIFTY, or ECONOMICAL. It generally implies responsible management rather than meanness.

Q: How do I distinguish between 'frugal' and 'stingy' in a crossword?

While both relate to saving money, 'frugal' usually implies sensible, careful resource management (a positive trait), whereas 'stingy' often suggests an unwillingness to spend, even when necessary or appropriate, sometimes to an ungenerous degree (a negative trait). The surrounding words in the clue or the puzzle's theme can often hint at the intended connotation.

Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "frugal" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of potential answers, categorized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.

Solutions for "frugal crossword clue" by Letter Count

4 Letters

MEAN: While it can mean unkind, 'mean' in a financial sense refers to being unwilling to spend or share; stingy, often fitting a frugal context in crosswords.

5 Letters

CHEAP: Costing little money; economical. Often used in crosswords to denote an inexpensive or frugal nature.

PLAIN: Lacking elaborate decoration or luxury. Often associated with a simple, frugal lifestyle.

6 Letters

MEAGER: Lacking in quantity or quality. Can describe resources when one is being frugal.

7 Letters

SPARING: Using or giving only a small amount of something; economical.

THRIFTY: Using money and other resources carefully and not wastefully.

PRUDENT: Acting with or showing care and thought for the future, especially in financial matters.

AUSTERE: Severe or strict in manner, attitude, or appearance; also refers to a simple, unadorned lifestyle without luxuries.

8 Letters

SENSIBLE: Practical and functional rather than decorative or luxurious; showing good judgment in spending.

MODERATE: Average in amount, intensity, quality, or degree; avoiding extremes of spending.

STINTING: Supplying a very small or inadequate amount of something; frugal to a fault.

9 Letters

TEMPERATE: Showing moderation or self-restraint; not excessive, especially in habits of consumption.

10 Letters

ECONOMICAL: Careful in the use of money, resources, or time; avoiding waste.

ABSTEMIOUS: Not indulging in excessive eating or drinking; moderate, especially in habits that consume resources.

UNWASTEFUL: Not extravagant or careless with money, time, or resources; characterized by efficiency.

12 Letters

PARSIMONIOUS: Unwilling to spend money or use resources; excessively frugal or stingy.

More About "frugal crossword clue"

The term "frugal" in crosswords often points to a range of related concepts concerning resource management, cost-saving, and avoiding extravagance. It's a popular clue because it has several nuanced synonyms, from positive traits like "thrifty" or "economical" to more negative ones like "parsimonious" or "stingy," depending on the exact context the puzzle setter intends.

Understanding the subtle differences between these synonyms is key to solving the clue. A "frugal" person might meticulously budget and reuse items to save money, embodying a wise use of resources. This differs from someone who is merely "cheap" (potentially sacrificing quality for low cost) or "stingy" (unwilling to spend even when necessary or generous). Crossword setters often play on these shades of meaning, requiring solvers to consider the precise fit based on other intersecting words.

When you encounter a "frugal" clue, think about both the positive and negative connotations of saving money or resources. Consider the number of letters provided, as this will quickly narrow down the possibilities. Common answers often revolve around words describing carefulness, avoidance of waste, or simplicity in lifestyle.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Analyze the Nuance: For "frugal" clues, pay close attention to any additional words in the clue. Does it suggest a positive trait (e.g., "wisely frugal") or a negative one (e.g., "excessively frugal")? This can guide you towards answers like THRIFTY vs. PARSIMONIOUS.
Consider Letter Count First: Always start by checking the number of letters required. This immediately eliminates many potential solutions and helps you focus on answers that fit the grid.
Look for Common Prefixes/Suffixes: For longer words like ECONOMICAL or PARSIMONIOUS, sometimes seeing common crossword word beginnings or endings can trigger the full answer.
Cross-Reference with Intersecting Clues: The most powerful tip! Even if you're stuck on "frugal," solving an intersecting clue will give you a letter or two, drastically narrowing down the possibilities for the "frugal" answer.

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'frugal' mean in crosswords?

'Frugal' in crosswords typically refers to being economical, thrifty, or careful with resources, often appearing as synonyms like SPARING, THRIFTY, or ECONOMICAL. It generally implies responsible management rather than meanness or miserliness.

Are there short answers for 'frugal' clues?

Yes, shorter answers for 'frugal' clues can include words like CHEAP (in an economical sense), MEAN (referring to stingy, which can be a close synonym in some contexts), or PLAIN (implying a lack of luxury, hence frugal living), depending on the specific nuance and letter count required by the clue.

How do I distinguish between "frugal" and "stingy" in a crossword?

While both relate to saving money, "frugal" usually implies sensible, careful resource management (a positive trait), whereas "stingy" often suggests an unwillingness to spend, even when necessary or appropriate, sometimes to an ungenerous degree (a negative trait). The surrounding words in the clue or the puzzle's theme can often hint at the intended connotation.