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 While the other facilities give it flexibility, moving cargo overland from Fujairah or Khor Fakkan can be roughly four to five times more expensive than sailing through Hormuz to Jebel Ali, the official said. — Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 2 Sep. 2026 By the most expensive person in the room or handed off down the chain in a game of broken telephone. — Jerry Jihao Bai, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026 The Bay Area buying spree is the clearest manifestation of a nationwide trend of sales of upper-end properties largely holding up better than sales of less expensive homes. — ABC News, 2 Sep. 2026 However, flights to the most popular domestic destinations, including Seattle and Orlando, are even more expensive, with tickets averaging nearly $800. — Sacbee.com, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for expensive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for expensive

Adjective

During Parcells’ reign over the Dolphins, players who made a costly error on game day often showed up for work the next day to find out they were fired.

— Omar Kelly August 30, Miami Herald, 30 Aug. 2026
The floods will likely change that outlook, squeezing a country that’s heavily dependent on tourism while forcing a costly period of reconstruction.

— Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of costly

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

Adjective

Legends like this one only serve to enhance the value of certain masterpieces crafted from diamonds and precious stones.

— Giorgia Olivieri, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026
But even more than that, consumers want to trust in organizations while discretionary spending is more precious amid inflation, stagnant wages, and a higher cost of living.

— Sydney Lake, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of precious

Adjective

As the Times report noted, the Met Gala, an extravagant event held in tandem with the Costume Institute’s spring show, is typically held on the first Monday in May.

— Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 31 Aug. 2026
But there was a twist, gaining access to the yacht’s extravagant amenities wouldn’t be so simple.

— Peter White, Deadline, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of extravagant

Browse Nearby Words

expenses

expensive

expensively

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

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Synonyms of expensive

adjective

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