costly

1 of 2

adjective

cost·​ly ˈkȯs(t)-lē How to pronounce costly (audio)
costlier; costliest
Synonyms of costlynext
1
a
: commanding a high price especially because of intrinsic worth
costly gems
b
: rich, splendid
2
: made or done at heavy expense or sacrifice
a costly mistake
costliness noun

costliness

2 of 2

noun

cost·​li·​ness
ˈkȯs(t)-lē-nəs also ˈkäs(t)-
plural -es
: the quality or state of being costly : high price or value : expensiveness

Synonyms of costly

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Adjective

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of costly in a Sentence

Adjective We use less costly materials in our products. It was too costly to fix her car after the accident, so she decided to buy a new car instead. They won the game, but their best player was injured, so it was a costly victory. The decision to wait could be a costly mistake.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
Life University is facing a potentially costly lawsuit for allegedly discriminating against three former Black employees. — Jason Armesto, AJC.com, 14 July 2026 More costly oil would push inflation higher, potentially leading the Federal Reserve and other central banks to raise interest rates. — ABC News, 14 July 2026 Solar’s new sandwich Standard silicon solar panels are inherently heavy and costly to produce. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 14 July 2026 Advertisement The controversial and costly demolition of the White House East Wing to make way for a new ballroom has drawn criticism across party aisles. — Tiago Ventura, Time, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for costly

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of costly was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

costliness
costly
costmary
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Costly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/costly. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

costly

adjective
cost·​ly ˈkȯs(t)-lē How to pronounce costly (audio)
costlier; costliest
1
: of great cost or value
costly furs
2
: gained at great expense or sacrifice
a costly victory
costliness noun

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Nglish: Translation of costly for Spanish Speakers

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