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
But two years ago, Schrager announced his departure from Marriott to expand his own brand, Public, a less expensive lifestyle hotel focused on inclusivity and uniqueness at more accessible rates than Marriott’s Edition.
—
Katharina Kotrba, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
The Trump administration also expanded the use of short-term health insurance plans, which offered limited benefits and less expensive monthly premiums but denied coverage for existing medical conditions.
—Ken Alltucker, USA TODAY, 8 Jan. 2025
But art school was expensive, and his family could not really afford the classes — or even the supplies.
—Dodai Stewart, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2025
The tufted detailing and rich velvet fabric make the ottoman look so much more expensive than its price tag, while the interior offers enough space for throw blankets, extra pillows, and other belongings.
—Megan Schaltegger, People.com, 8 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for expensive 
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Katharina Kotrba, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
The Trump administration also expanded the use of short-term health insurance plans, which offered limited benefits and less expensive monthly premiums but denied coverage for existing medical conditions.
—Ken Alltucker, USA TODAY, 8 Jan. 2025
But art school was expensive, and his family could not really afford the classes — or even the supplies.
—Dodai Stewart, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2025
The tufted detailing and rich velvet fabric make the ottoman look so much more expensive than its price tag, while the interior offers enough space for throw blankets, extra pillows, and other belongings.
—Megan Schaltegger, People.com, 8 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 17 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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