cost 1 of 2

Definition of costnext
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

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2
3
as in risk
the loss or penalty involved in achieving a goal they won the war, but at a terrible cost in lives

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cost

2 of 2

verb

as in to fetch
to have a price of the raffle tickets cost a dollar each

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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 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 See All Example Sentences for cost
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cost
Noun
  • Some small businesses can handle bookkeeping with spreadsheets, DIY invoicing and ad-hoc expense approvals.
    Dana Miranda, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2026
  • That same month, the price of Bitcoin — in which most of Borhanian’s life savings was invested, money that was covering much of the group’s expenses at that time — cratered.
    Tessa Stuart, Rolling Stone, 23 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Though no one was killed in the Stryker attack, some surgeries had to be postponed, implants could not be delivered to patients, and the company’s share price plummeted.
    Sue Halpern, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2026
  • This was the reality all but ensured since March 17, when general manager George Paton and head coach Sean Payton and the rest of the staff decided that trading for Dolphins star receiver Jaylen Waddle would be well worth the ultimate price of their first-round pick.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Picassos have fetched staggering sums at auction in the past.
    Jake McGowan, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Wilma needs no encouragement to fetch the scrapbook.
    Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • So far, Apple's AI strategy has involved avoiding hefty capital expenditures while Microsoft, Google, Amazon and Meta commit to hundreds of billions of dollars a year in combined capex to fund new data centers and fill them with pricey AI chips.
    Jennifer Elias, CNBC, 21 Apr. 2026
  • But the endorsement in a safe Democratic district is unlikely to attract the major expenditures and outreach that UNITE HERE has provided in battleground states and districts.
    Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 19 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • While ruling on the key question of defamation in Figliuzzi's favor, the judge denied his request that he be awarded court costs and attorneys' fees under Texas' anti-SLAPP law.
    Dan Mangan, CNBC, 22 Apr. 2026
  • There’s a $274 towing rate for most vehicles, a $150 administrative fee, a $33 fee that goes to the city and a $45 charge for outside storage beyond six hours.
    Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Community members are asked to bring their own bags.
    Ryan Hughes, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026
  • This thing that brings us into the world can so quickly be deemed indecent.
    Jennifer Wilson, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Cost.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cost. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.

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