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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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 Love posed online as a player for the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers, posting videos of himself running drills with a 49ers helmet, driving in expensive sports cars, and living a lavish lifestyle on social media. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 14 Oct. 2026 As with Medicare Advantage plans, the $2,400 out-of-pocket drug spending cap protects Original Medicare seniors from runaway costs on expensive medications. — Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2026 The New York Yankees, the third-most expensive team in the league and a trendy pick to win the World Series, were swept by the Rays in the ALDS. — Isaac Tellechea, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026 Moving is a pain—expensive, stressful, and time-consuming—and landlords know it. — Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for expensive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for expensive

Adjective

The Georgia quarterback threw two interceptions for the first time as the Bulldogs’ starter and had a costly late fumble that set up Auburn’s game-winning field goal.

— Connor Riley, AJC.com, 18 Oct. 2026
While very effective, this can be a very costly enterprise, especially in colder weather.

— Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of costly

Adjective

The channel needed to retain its biggest names to keep the channel valuable to cable and satellite TV providers who pay to carry it.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
The bull case for the world’s most valuable company and the bull case for the build-out are now essentially the same case, and Morgan Stanley’s North America Insight, led by Nicholas Lentini, makes both.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 19 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

These days, the jeweler is as much a designer as a diamond destination, with collections that give the precious stones a little personality.

— Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 15 Oct. 2026
Non yield bearing precious metals such as gold and silver simultaneously traded down, while the US Dollar Index touched an 18 month high during intraday trading.

— , CNBC, 15 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 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of expensive

adjective

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