expensive

1 of 2

adjective

ex·​pen·​sive ik-ˈspen(t)-siv How to pronounce expensive (audio)
Synonyms of expensive
1
: involving high cost or sacrifice
an expensive hobby
2
a
: commanding a high price and especially one that is not based on intrinsic worth or is beyond a prospective buyer's means
b
: characterized by high prices
expensive shops
expensively adverb
expensiveness noun

expensiveness

2 of 2

noun

ex·​pen·​sive·​ness
-sivnə̇s, 
-sēv- also -səv-
plural -es
: the quality or state of being expensive

Synonyms of expensive

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Adjective

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Examples of expensive in a Sentence

Adjective The lights were expensive to install. expensive clothing that only the truly wealthy can afford
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.
Adjective
With the absence of any major AI company and relatively expensive valuations, investors have picked markets such as South Korea and Taiwan over India, experts said. — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 28 Oct. 2026 The Ohio Senate race is the second-most expensive this cycle, with spending topping $500 million this week. — Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 28 Oct. 2026 Consumers have generally soured on an economy weighed down by more expensive gas, groceries, and clothing, among other items. — Christopher Rugaber, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026 Subscription fees could make a vehicle more expensive to own than its original purchase price suggests. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for expensive

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

expense entry 1 + -ive

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1617, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of expensive was circa 1617

Rhymes for expensive

See All Rhymes for expensive

Browse Nearby Words

expenseless
expensive
expensively
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Expensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expensive. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

expensive

adjective
ex·​pen·​sive ik-ˈspen(t)-siv How to pronounce expensive (audio)
1
: costly sense 2
an expensive hobby
2
a
: having a high price
expensive gifts
b
: marked by high prices
expensive shops
expensively adverb
expensiveness noun
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