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 of expensive

• costly
• valuable
• premium
• precious
• extravagant

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

Going forward, Budd’s race will be one of the most expensive in 2028 and will be a test of whether Democrats can expand their foothold in the South after winning seats in South Carolina and possibly Mississippi. — David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 11 Nov. 2026

The forecast found that average rent in the area is 18% higher than in LA County, and lower-quality units are 22% more expensive compared to LA County. — Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 11 Nov. 2026

The strategy has not been confirmed verbatim by the Treasury, but Bessent himself has indicated the scheme worked by buying back more expensive, long-term debt (in which yields, and hence interest, are higher) in lieu of cheaper, short-term debt. — Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 10 Nov. 2026

California’s system of handling wildfire liability will make electric bills more expensive and hurt the financial rating of power companies, the state’s utility regulator warned in a recent report. — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 10 Nov. 2026

Word History

Etymology

expense entry 1 + -ive

First Known Use

circa 1617, 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