COSTLY Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

costly

adjective

ˈkȯs(t)-lē

Definition of costly next

as in expensive

commanding a large price running is one sport that does not require a lot of costly equipment

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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 costly If an organization proposes a costly event, suggest a pilot version with clear roles before committing funds. —

Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 20 Feb. 2026 Automating this process means eligible individuals no longer have to navigate complicated legal systems or pay costly fees to clear their records. —

Curtis Reed, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026 Pecans tend to be more costly than walnuts, mainly due to their more limited growing regions and higher demand for use in desserts. —

Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 20 Feb. 2026 Large meals can be time-consuming, costly, and labor-intensive, not to mention stressful. —

Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Martha Stewart, 20 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for costly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for costly

Adjective

These boards are extremely expensive.

— Lauren Hodges, NPR, 21 Feb. 2026
Some bases, particularly in places like Alaska, suffer from long, expensive, and complex fuel and electricity supply chains.

— David Szondy February 21, New Atlas, 21 Feb. 2026