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
Some utilities are starting to replace wooden poles with stronger fiberglass materials; some are contemplating burying electrical lines underground, which is an expensive process.
—
Ella Nilsen, CNN, 12 July 2024
The driver was wearing expensive aviator sunglasses, and his forearm, hanging outside the window, was adorned with heavy jewelry.
—Pamela Chelin, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2024
Residents didn’t support the less expensive option of the beach ambassador code enforcement officer at an estimated $150,000 a year either.
—Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 11 July 2024
Cartier watches are also generally less expensive than Rolex, Patek or Audemars Piguet and tend to change hands at values below retail.
—Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune Europe, 11 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for expensive 
Ella Nilsen, CNN, 12 July 2024
The driver was wearing expensive aviator sunglasses, and his forearm, hanging outside the window, was adorned with heavy jewelry.
—Pamela Chelin, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2024
Residents didn’t support the less expensive option of the beach ambassador code enforcement officer at an estimated $150,000 a year either.
—Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 11 July 2024
Cartier watches are also generally less expensive than Rolex, Patek or Audemars Piguet and tend to change hands at values below retail.
—Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune Europe, 11 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for expensive
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'expensive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near expensive
Cite this Entry
“Expensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expensive. Accessed 15 Jul. 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
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