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 gray synthetic leather seats have stitching that matches the body color, a feature usually found in more expensive cars.
—
Tom Krisher, Fortune Asia, 13 May 2024
China’s bullet trains are still less expensive than those in the West.
—Keith Bradsher, New York Times, 13 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for expensive 
Tom Krisher, Fortune Asia, 13 May 2024
China’s bullet trains are still less expensive than those in the West.
—Keith Bradsher, New York Times, 13 May 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 16 May. 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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