costly

adjective

ˈkȯs(t)-lē How to pronounce costly (audio)
Definition of costlynext
as in expensive
commanding a large price running is one sport that does not require a lot of costly equipment

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 costly Faster vehicles may be associated with a greater risk of crashes and more costly claims. — Mckynzie Steward, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 2026 That is true, but making costly and unnecessary wars harder to start belongs in the credit column, not the debit one. — Jennifer Kavanagh, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026 Doing that would require costly surveys to be conducted and would limit his ability to build a second house on the property. — John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 28 Aug. 2026 Building cultural intelligence in from the start reduces costly rework and helps brands make better use of their resources and timelines. — Sonia Thompson, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for costly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for costly
  1. expensive
  2. valuable
Adjective
  • According to materials provided to CNBC, Google has also directly targeted Microsoft and Anthropic, claiming their recurring seat fees and separate product licenses make their offerings more expensive and less flexible.
    — MacKenzie Sigalos,Drew Troast, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
  • These Mocoly hiking pants have a slightly sportier look about them without the expensive price tag.
    — Francesca Krempa, Travel + Leisure, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of expensive
Adjective
  • Supporters say shifting unproductive cropland to clean energy will help California meet its 100% renewable power goal, while farm groups warn of losing valuable agricultural land.
    — Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • An optional trundle addition can double its capacity without taking up more valuable square footage.
    — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of valuable

Browse Nearby Words

costless
costly
costs
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Costly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/costly. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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