EXPENSIVE Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

expensive

adjective

ik-ˈspen(t)-siv

Definition of expensive

as in costly

commanding a large price expensive clothing that only the truly wealthy can afford

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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 expensive Salesforce has faced criticism in the past for making dilutive and expensive deals, such as the purchase of Slack five years ago. — Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026 Thanksgiving travel is often most expensive for passengers looking to depart the Wednesday before the holiday and return the Sunday afterward. — Joshua Sidorowicz, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026 Okay, that sounds nice, but not two houses in Manhattan, owning an Audi, and not thinking Gucci is expensive nice. — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2026 The county hopes the facility will give forest debris a local use, reduce long-distance hauling and make forest-thinning projects less expensive. — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for expensive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for expensive

Adjective

Bolsonaro made a tough-on-crime approach the cornerstone of his campaign and pledged to bring down food costs while Lula, trying to lure undecided voters, has invested in costly incentives.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
Both player's made birdies at the 17th, but a costly miss for Ryu at the 18th allowed Yoshida to clinch it, despite the Japanese golfer also making bogey.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of costly

Adjective

The approach is particularly valuable because not every mechanical problem can be easily identified through a visual inspection.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2026
Investors are already measuring the 5-year-old company's potential market cap in the trillions, putting it in a category with the world's most valuable companies.

— Jordan Novet, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of valuable

Adjective

The premium shifts toward knowing what is worth saying, which audiences need to hear it, where a story can have the greatest impact and how communications connect to broader business objectives.

— John McCartney, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026
Finally, grab 39% off the Shokz OpenRun Pro Bluetooth Headphones, providing premium bone-conduction audio and a secure open-ear fit.

— Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of premium

Adjective

As Eric Dane faced the final moments of his life, his family fought to hold on to every precious moment.

— Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
The interplay of precious metals with rubber and leather reinforces the brand’s more casual sensibility, distinguishing it from more formal men’s jewelry offerings.

— Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of precious

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expenses

expensive

expensively

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“Expensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expensive. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of expensive

adjective

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