Synonyms of costly

costly

adjective

ˈkȯs(t)-lē 

as in expensive

commanding a large price

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• expensive
• valuable
• precious
• premium
• extravagant
• pricey
• high
• luxurious
• priceless
• high-end
• spendy
• dear
• prohibitive
• big-ticket
• steep
• high-ticket
• exorbitant
• unaffordable
• uneconomic
• unreasonable
• overpriced
• ultraexpensive
• invaluable
• deluxe
• inestimable
• sky-high
• sumptuous
• stiff

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• inexpensive
• cheap
• reasonable
• moderate
• worthless
• valueless
• discounted

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of costly

The low score was attributable to sacks, interceptions, penalties and mistakes proving costly for both teams. — Lou Ponsi, Oc Register, 7 Nov. 2026

The National Park System has a $24 billion backlog of maintenance projects that have yet to be funded, with major repairs to roads, buildings and water systems being the most costly. — Joe Heim, Washington Post, 7 Nov. 2026

Its officials view questions of morality as a costly sideshow, the remit of woolly-minded idealists who do not understand how the world works. — David Sacks, Foreign Affairs, 6 Nov. 2026

Unfortunately, this means getting a stereo set is a lot more costly than just buying two Stanmore IV units. — Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 6 Nov. 2026