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
But now the evidence shows that using PAs comes with a cost. Betsy McCaughey, Boston Herald, 8 Feb. 2026 This is the transfer portal/NIL era and winning big comes at a cost. Cedric Golden, Austin American Statesman, 8 Feb. 2026
Verb
The conquest of Everest cost the lives of 13 men before Sir Edmund Hilary and Tenzing Norgay set foot on the summit. New Atlas, 15 Feb. 2026 In fiscal year 2025, employee turnover cost the state slightly more than $283 million, according to the report. Barbara Hoberock, Oklahoman, 15 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cost
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cost
Noun
  • American farmers say an oversupply of eggs is forcing them to sell at rock-bottom rates, while expenses like packaging and shipping continue to climb.
    Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 20 Feb. 2026
  • The parents or hosts bearing a disproportionate share of the expense is not surprising, and should not be a cause of embarrassment as long as proper gratitude is expressed.
    Judith Martin, Dallas Morning News, 19 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Davis said that many online commenters seemed to object both to tipping and service charges, even as restaurateurs struggle to raise menu prices to keep pace with the soaring costs of food and rent.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
  • The average sales price of a new electric car in the United States in January was $55,715, according to Kelley Blue Book.
    Keith Laing, USA Today, 20 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Its builds regularly fetch seven-figure hammer prices at auction, so the cost is likely very steep.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 13 Feb. 2026
  • The 6,000-square-foot, 2-story restaurant building fetched $388 per square foot.
    Matthew Geiger, Denver Post, 7 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • In its First Interim Financial Report released in December, LAUSD projected a $877 million deficit — about 14% of its unrestricted general fund expenditures — for the 2026–27 school year, followed by a $443 million deficit the year after.
    Teresa Liu, Daily News, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Additionally, hyperscalers, including Amazon , Microsoft , Meta , and Alphabet , announced capital expenditure of up to $700 billion on AI this year, which has raised concerns over returns and whether the extent of AI spend is justified.
    Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 16 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • To participate in the run, residents sign up in advance and pay a fee to assist with transportation and organization of stops on the run.
    Carlie Procell, USA Today, 18 Feb. 2026
  • All the winning whiskeys were determined by blind tasting, according to the World Whiskies Awards, although brands do have to pay a fee to enter their bottles.
    Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 18 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • McCarthy warned that being too quick to bring untested criminal cases against political adversaries risks damaging institutional legitimacy regardless of which party is in power.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 15 Feb. 2026
  • The government brought forward major reforms and bans on assault-style weapons after the country suffered its worst-ever shooting attack in 2020, when a man impersonating a police officer killed 22 people in northern Nova Scotia.
    Max Saltman, CNN Money, 15 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Cost.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cost. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.

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