costly

adjective

cost·​ly ˈkȯs(t)-lē How to pronounce costly (audio)
costlier; costliest
Synonyms of costlynext
1
a
: commanding a high price especially because of intrinsic worth
costly gems
b
: rich, splendid
2
: made or done at heavy expense or sacrifice
a costly mistake
costliness noun

Synonyms of costly

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Examples of costly in a Sentence

We use less costly materials in our products. It was too costly to fix her car after the accident, so she decided to buy a new car instead. They won the game, but their best player was injured, so it was a costly victory. The decision to wait could be a costly mistake.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The process has been costly; The July storms caused more than $18 billion in damage. — Brian New, CBS News, 1 July 2026 This perception can lead to leadership and AI getting very expensive, or rather costly. — Brian Solis, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 Meta is also working to cut its ballooning AI spending by reducing reliance on costly external tools. — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 30 June 2026 Given the timing of this series, a good showing, a poor performance or a costly injury could influence each organization’s deadline plans. — Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for costly

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of costly was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

costliness
costly
costmary
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Costly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/costly. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

costly

adjective
cost·​ly ˈkȯs(t)-lē How to pronounce costly (audio)
costlier; costliest
1
: of great cost or value
costly furs
2
: gained at great expense or sacrifice
a costly victory
costliness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on costly

Nglish: Translation of costly for Spanish Speakers

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