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
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
Wallpaper Scraps Wallpaper can certainly be expensive, and even a small amount of leftover paper can go a long way, so don't toss it!
—
Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2025
These Quince Italian Leather Loafers, however, are a near dupe that looks every bit as expensive, despite coming in at a fraction of the price.
—Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 20 Sep. 2025
Kroger and Tom Thumb are never the cheapest option and remain the most expensive.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Sep. 2025
The option of replacing your boxwoods can be expensive.
—Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 20 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for expensive
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Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2025
These Quince Italian Leather Loafers, however, are a near dupe that looks every bit as expensive, despite coming in at a fraction of the price.
—Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 20 Sep. 2025
Kroger and Tom Thumb are never the cheapest option and remain the most expensive.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Sep. 2025
The option of replacing your boxwoods can be expensive.
—Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 20 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for expensive
Cite this Entry
“Expensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expensive. Accessed 22 Sep. 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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