costly

adjective

ˈkȯs(t)-lē How to pronounce costly (audio)
Definition of costlynext
as in expensive
commanding a large price running is one sport that does not require a lot of costly equipment

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of costly Firefighters have made progress, but recovery will be costly. — Miriam Waldvogel, Washington Post, 2 Aug. 2026 California’s tightening regulations limiting groundwater pumping are proving difficult and costly for many small-scale farmers. — Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026 Test your knowledge of costly cities, Trump tee times and more in this week's American Culture Quiz. — Staff, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2026 But as before, diversions are costly and logistically complicated. — Ian Bremmer, Time, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for costly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for costly
  1. expensive
  2. valuable
Adjective
  • The purchase set the record for the most expensive home ever sold in Miami-Dade County.
    — Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
  • European consumers have lagged behind the rest of the world in adopting AC, due to high energy costs, expensive installation fees and restrictions on retrofitting the continent’s older buildings.
    — Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
Definition of expensive
Adjective
  • The now-defunct Broward airline has chosen a lead bidder in the auction of its former corporate headquarters in Dania Beach, among its most valuable assets.
    — Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
  • Shares rose 470% on their first day, making the chipmaker the most valuable company listed in mainland China.
    — Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 29 July 2026
Definition of valuable

Browse Nearby Words

costless
costly
costs
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Costly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/costly. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on costly

Nglish: Translation of costly for Spanish Speakers

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