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

• big-ticket
• costly
• dear
• extravagant
• high
• high-end
• high-ticket
• precious
• premium
• priceless
• pricey
• pricy
• spendy [chiefly Northwest]
• ultraexpensive
• valuable

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

But will Cabernet Franc ever replace the powerful and very lucrative hold that Cabernet Sauvignon has on Napa Valley, with some of the most expensive and collectible wines in America comprised of Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa? —Liz Thach, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025

Back in December, the least expensive ticket for Saturday’s opening match featuring Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami was $349. —Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 13 June 2025

Related Articles Ahead, WWD breaks down the history of some of the most expensive tiaras. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 13 June 2025

The Union Beer interlude kicked off the search for a brick-and-mortar spot, always a difficult process in Miami’s expensive and ever-shifting culinary landscape. —Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 13 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1610, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for expensive

• defensive
• extensive
• intensive
• offensive
• ostensive
• prehensive
• suspensive
• antihypertensive
• apprehensive
• coextensive
• comprehensive
• hypertensive

Kids 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