cost 1 of 2

noun

ˈkȯst How to pronounce cost (audio)
Definition of costnext
1
as in expense
a payment made in the course of achieving a result the newlyweds spared no cost in building the kitchen of their dreams

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Relevance
2
as in price
the amount of money that is demanded as payment for something we can't afford the cost of a house just yet, so we're renting an apartment

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3
as in risk
the loss or penalty involved in achieving a goal they won the war, but at a terrible cost in lives

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cost

2 of 2

verb

as in to fetch
to have a price of the raffle tickets cost a dollar each

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of cost
Noun
The general cost, according to the audit, of a commercial crew trip, which has four seats, is more than $300 million, which is about $75 million per seat. — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 July 2026 Roberts said his product would be less expensive on a per-square-foot basis than traditional construction but declined to cite figures because individual site conditions affect the overall cost. — Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
Verb
Treatments start at $49, which is a bargain compared to typical pest control treatments that cost nearly three times that amount. — Alora Bopray, USA Today, 1 July 2026 The Lorraine Schwartz rock, from her longtime partner Jay-Z, is thought to have cost over $5 million. — Freya Drohan, InStyle, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for cost
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cost
  1. expense
  2. price
  3. fetch
  4. expenditure
  5. fee
  6. bring
Noun
  • The results include deducted one-off expenses for employee bonus provisions.
    — Jenny Lee, CNBC, 7 July 2026
  • Since Calleja’s near-fatal fall, over $42,000 ($61,000 AUD) has been donated to a fundraiser organized by his football club to help cover medical expenses.
    — Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026
Definition of expense
Noun
  • Buyers purchasing a new or used EV from a company with headquarters in California can claim the discount regardless of the vehicle price.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • Don’t be fooled by their jaw-dropping price; the flats boast a luxe look thanks to their low profile and—of course—glove silhouette.
    — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 3 July 2026
Definition of price
Verb
  • The original Game of Thrones dragon eggs are up for auction and expected to fetch a hefty price.
    — Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 30 June 2026
  • His Cayuse Bionic Frog now fetches around $400 a bottle, and toward $600 for older vintages.
    — Paul Caputo, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of fetch
Noun
  • The company plans to invest $11 billion globally in capital expenditures and research and development between 2025 and 2028, with a focus on technologies that support electrification and the energy transition.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026
  • American Mission’s ads are independent expenditures, so the political committee cannot legally coordinate with the campaign or get Donalds’ approval.
    — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026
Definition of expenditure
Noun
  • What was once a quiet corner of the terminal – your reward for loyalty or a hefty annual fee – has turned into a cafeteria for the masses.
    — Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • To follow through on this commitment to affordability, the system implemented the Tuition Stability Plan in 2022, which locks in a student’s tuition and systemwide fees at their freshman-year rate for the duration of their undergraduate education.
    — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of fee
Verb
  • Camp Meeker Cabin stands as a thoughtful retreat that brings mountain living back to its essentials.
    — Bridget Borgobello July 03, New Atlas, 4 July 2026
  • The ceremony, which brought both families together, was officiated by family friend Adam Sandler.
    — Morgan Evans, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Definition of bring

Browse Nearby Words

cossets
cost
costar
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cost.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cost. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cost

Nglish: Translation of cost for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cost

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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