as in parsimonious
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Recent Examples of penny-wise
But even if successful, such an effort would likely be penny-wise and pound-foolish, leading U.S. allies to turn away from Washington in the long term.
—
Stephen G. Brooks, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2025
Having these tenants lose their apartments and become homeless is penny-wise and pound-foolish.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 20 Feb. 2024
Ironically, its source is here on Earth: Congress, which has the penny-wise but pound-foolish policy of releasing just a trickle of funding to the space agency every year, hobbles many of NASA's mission goals that require thinking past a two-year House or six-year Senate term.
—Phil Plait, Scientific American, 30 Oct. 2023
On the other hand, avoid being penny-wise, pound-foolish.
—Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Jan. 2024
Ironically, its source is here on Earth: Congress, which has the penny-wise but pound-foolish policy of releasing just a trickle of funding to the space agency every year, hobbles many of nasa's mission goals that require thinking past a two-year House or six-year Senate term.
—Phil Plait, Scientific American, 30 Oct. 2023
Delaying investments in sustainable energy and climate adaptation (such as coastal retreat in response to sea-level rise) is penny-wise but immensely pound-foolish.
—Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2023
Stephen G. Brooks, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2025
Having these tenants lose their apartments and become homeless is penny-wise and pound-foolish.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 20 Feb. 2024
Ironically, its source is here on Earth: Congress, which has the penny-wise but pound-foolish policy of releasing just a trickle of funding to the space agency every year, hobbles many of NASA's mission goals that require thinking past a two-year House or six-year Senate term.
—Phil Plait, Scientific American, 30 Oct. 2023
On the other hand, avoid being penny-wise, pound-foolish.
—Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Jan. 2024
Ironically, its source is here on Earth: Congress, which has the penny-wise but pound-foolish policy of releasing just a trickle of funding to the space agency every year, hobbles many of nasa's mission goals that require thinking past a two-year House or six-year Senate term.
—Phil Plait, Scientific American, 30 Oct. 2023
Delaying investments in sustainable energy and climate adaptation (such as coastal retreat in response to sea-level rise) is penny-wise but immensely pound-foolish.
—Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penny-wise
Adjective
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Some have felt conflicted, but after decades without success and 14 years of soulless drudgery under Mike Ashley’s parsimonious ownership, many were willing to accept anything for the promise or even just the hope of better times.—
Oliver Kay,
The Athletic,
19 Mar. 2025
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His father was intensely parsimonious as well, and once tried to build a front fence by hammering bookshelves together.—
Nathan Heller,
The New Yorker,
15 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Chrissy made a predictably miserly offer of $230,000, and obviously David did not take it.—
Laura Bradley,
Vulture,
25 Mar. 2025
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Up to then, Wrexham had by far the most miserly defence in League One after conceding just 11 goals in 19 league games — five better than Birmingham City and Huddersfield Town.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
The Athletic,
23 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Every year, a complacent, tightfisted city council turned down the recommendations.—
Margaret Talbot,
The New Yorker,
2 Oct. 2023
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Kotick played the tightfisted owner of the Oakland A’s.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
31 May 2023
Adjective
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Those who are approved must cope with notoriously unreliable in-home nursing, a byproduct of the state’s penurious reimbursement rates.—
Carol Marbin Miller,
Miami Herald,
17 Jan. 2025
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Those who are approved must cope with notoriously unreliable in-home nursing, a byproduct of the state’s penurious reimbursement rates.—
Carol Marbin Miller,
Miami Herald,
17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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There is so much in the ether telling us not to be frugal.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes,
18 Jan. 2025
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Reasonable people can be reasonably frugal.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes,
18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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This is no thrifty budget Blumhouse movie, rather two robotic women beating the crap out of each other.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
2 Apr. 2025
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The speaker is like the ant from Aesop’s fable, thrifty and responsible, willing to defer gratification until a more suitable time.—
A.O. Scott,
New York Times,
21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The nation's stingiest defense held the Vols to 15 first-half points, the fewest in an Elite Eight game since 1979.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
30 Mar. 2025
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Showdown beyond the arc One of the most intriguing matchups in Atlanta will be Ole Miss’ 3-point shooters, led by Sean Pedulla, taking on a Michigan State defense that is one of the nation’s stingiest outside the arc.—
Paul Newberry,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Many Chileans are angry about the country’s unequal distribution of wealth and power, about niggardly pensions (for which people are supposed to save themselves) and about long waiting times for doctors’ visits and poor schools.—
The Economist,
The Economist,
25 Dec. 2019
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To tap one of the country’s two largest and most niggardly mines is hard enough.—
The Economist,
The Economist,
3 Feb. 2018
Cite this Entry
“Penny-wise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penny-wise. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.
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