“cheap”

Economical in use or expenditure, avoiding unnecessary waste or expense.

“She found a frugal little bistro where the wine was surprisingly good.”

Best for: Works well in neutral or positive contexts where thriftiness is admirable.

Extremely unwilling to spend money; miserly to a fault.

“The penurious landlord refused to replace the crumbling radiators for years.”

Best for: Best for negative, slightly dramatic characterizations of extreme cheapness.

Reluctant to spend or give money; gripping one's wallet with stubborn resolve.

“He was so tight-fisted he reused tea bags until the water ran clear.”

Best for: Punchy and colloquial, great for vivid informal writing or dialogue.

Excessively sparing or frugal with money or resources to an almost absurd degree.

“His parsimonious nature meant the wedding buffet featured exactly one olive per guest.”

Best for: Elevated and slightly sardonic; suits formal prose or dry humor.

Archaic term meaning slow or reluctant to spend, as though constipated with one's own coin.

“The costive merchant haggled over a farthing while his customers grew old waiting.”

Best for: Rare and archaic; ideal for historical fiction or stylized period writing.

Mean and petty in the saving or spending of money, like hoarding scraps of rind.

“His cheeseparing attitude extended to rationing the office's single roll of tape.”

Best for: Wonderfully punchy and evocative; great for satirical or character-driven writing.