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
The outlet said that the move came after a close review of Amazon’s programming costs across its entertainment portfolio, prompted by several expensive series that failed to connect with audiences.
—
Bruce Gil, Quartz, 15 Nov. 2024
And inefficiency gets very expensive when homes sit on the market.
—Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 14 Nov. 2024
Critics argue that single bore is too expensive, suggesting double bore could save money.
—Dan Phan, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024
The other major challenge, Gunn says, is that this island country is quite expensive.
—Stuart Miller, Variety, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for expensive 
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.
Bruce Gil, Quartz, 15 Nov. 2024
And inefficiency gets very expensive when homes sit on the market.
—Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 14 Nov. 2024
Critics argue that single bore is too expensive, suggesting double bore could save money.
—Dan Phan, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024
The other major challenge, Gunn says, is that this island country is quite expensive.
—Stuart Miller, Variety, 5 Nov. 2024
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 22 Nov. 2024.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share