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 A number of costly mistakes hurt the Chiefs as the game remained scoreless until deep into the second quarter. Andrew McCarty, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025 With the economics of news less certain with viewers moving to streaming and social media for their early facts, traditional TV-news venues have been parting ways with veteran anchors and correspondents or moving them into less costly positions. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 30 Oct. 2025 Terms of UsePrivacy Policy Terms of UsePrivacy Policy But the cycle of short-term survival was costly. Keyaira Boone, Essence, 30 Oct. 2025 All four of Wiseman’s children are in their pre-teen to teenage years, involved in activities and costly sports. Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for costly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for costly
Adjective
  • The Dodgers, with baseball's biggest payroll, have used their financial ability to pluck some of the most sought-after and most expensive free agents on the market.
    Steve Futterman, NPR, 4 Nov. 2025
  • And while Starbucks’ store format is expensive to upkeep, customers have become less willing to pay higher prices for its drinks since the COVID pandemic and ongoing economic downturn.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Seals made of these exotic stones were extra valuable, so only the elite could afford them.
    Serdar Yalçin, The Conversation, 3 Nov. 2025
  • The event will honor military veterans, first responders and more, with awards including the young patriot award, Benjamin Hall’s honor award, T2T Stephen Courage Siller award, salute to service award, most valuable patriot award, heroism award and patriot of the year award.
    Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 3 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Costly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/costly. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.

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