expensive
adjective
ex·pen·sive
ik-ˈspen(t)-siv 
1
: involving high cost or sacrifice
an expensive hobby
2
a
: commanding a high price and especially one that is not based on intrinsic worth or is beyond a prospective buyer's means
b
: characterized by high prices
expensive shops
expensively
adverb
expensiveness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of expensive in a Sentence
The lights were expensive to install.
expensive clothing that only the truly wealthy can afford
Recent Examples on the Web
Massachusetts is the most expensive state in terms of basic costs for a family of four, according to a 2024 SmartAsset study.
—
Celia Fernandez, CNBC, 20 Jan. 2025
This season has been particularly rocky for head coach Ruben Amorim’s men, and Antony has been a bit-part player—adding to his status as among the most expensive disappointments in the division’s history.
—Henry Flynn, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
The most expensive signing might be TJ Hughes, who will receive great interest from across the NHL.
—Allan Mitchell, The Athletic, 19 Jan. 2025
The casting process is time-consuming, involving three molds for metal, silicone, and plaster that go into the final glass product, which is heavier and more expensive than marble.
—Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 19 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for expensive 
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Celia Fernandez, CNBC, 20 Jan. 2025
This season has been particularly rocky for head coach Ruben Amorim’s men, and Antony has been a bit-part player—adding to his status as among the most expensive disappointments in the division’s history.
—Henry Flynn, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
The most expensive signing might be TJ Hughes, who will receive great interest from across the NHL.
—Allan Mitchell, The Athletic, 19 Jan. 2025
The casting process is time-consuming, involving three molds for metal, silicone, and plaster that go into the final glass product, which is heavier and more expensive than marble.
—Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 19 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for expensive
Dictionary Entries Near expensive
Cite this Entry
“Expensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expensive. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
expensive
adjective
ex·pen·sive
ik-ˈspen(t)-siv
1
: costly sense 2
an expensive hobby
2
a
: having a high price
expensive gifts
b
: marked by high prices
expensive shops
expensively
adverb
expensiveness
noun
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