Synonyms of cost

cost 1 of 2

noun

ˈkȯst 

1

as in expense

a payment made in the course of achieving a result

the newlyweds spared no cost in building the kitchen of their dreams

Synonyms & Similar Words

• expense
• expenditure
• price
• outlay
• charge
• rate
• disbursement
• overhead
• outgo
• outflow
• tariff
• toll
• spending money
• tab
• pocket money

2

as in price

the amount of money that is demanded as payment for something

we can't afford the cost of a house just yet, so we're renting an apartment

Synonyms & Similar Words

• price
• fee
• rate
• damage
• freight
• charge
• price tag
• value
• ante
• bill
• market value
• sale
• figure
• valuation
• tariff
• reduction
• discount
• list price
• unit price
• fair market value
• surcharge
• service charge
• deduction
• sticker price
• price point
• deposit
• overcharge
• asking price
• invoice
• down payment
• carrying charge
• tab
• markdown
• check
• account

3

as in risk

the loss or penalty involved in achieving a goal

they won the war, but at a terrible cost in lives

Synonyms & Similar Words

• price
• expense
• risk
• sacrifice
• damages
• toll
• forfeiture
• forfeit
• ante
• mulct

cost

2 of 2

verb

as in to fetch

to have a price of

the raffle tickets cost a dollar each

Synonyms & Similar Words

• fetch
• bring
• sell (for)
• go (for)
• run
• demand
• come (to)
• exact
• total
• ask
• list (for)
• amount (to)
• command

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of cost

Noun

Many locals welcome the team, but are not thrilled about the rising taxes and costs that come with new development. —Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2026

Cork footbed sandals are everywhere right now, but this pair delivers the look for a fraction of the cost, along with plenty of foot-friendly details. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Apr. 2026

Verb

According to one estimate, more than half of students using Iowa's program were already attending a private school – a big reason the ESA program is costing the state more than $300 million this year. —Cory Turner, NPR, 19 Apr. 2026

The two degrees cost a total of just over $4,000. —Todd Wallack, Washington Post, 19 Apr. 2026