Definition of expensenext
as in cost
a payment made in the course of achieving a result they spared no expense in building the house of their dreams

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 expense The Federal Reserve’s own data shows that 37% of American adults couldn’t cover a $400 emergency expense from savings alone. Stephen Moore, Boston Herald, 16 Apr. 2026 The goal to handle medical expenses is at least $90,000. Conor Wight, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026 But, several patient advocacy groups said the savings would come at the expense of patient protections. Katy Golvala, Hartford Courant, 16 Apr. 2026 Seaman reported on a trip to Brazil taken by Christopher Smith and public documents that indicate a school leader tied to Education Accelerated offered to pay for Smith’s travel expenses to a conference in São Paulo in 2024. The Denver Post Editorial Board, Denver Post, 16 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for expense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expense
Noun
  • But there are concerns about rising ticket prices and soaring production budgets, fueled by higher costs for labor, materials and energy.
    ABC News, ABC News, 12 Apr. 2026
  • The group announced the new mutual aid market on social media, citing community concerns over rising costs as the motivation behind the move.
    Christa Swanson, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • This is the first time in the past 70 years where American consumers are spending more money on all 12 major monthly expenditures at once—health care, local taxes, debt service, food, housing, transportation, utilities, insurance, entertainment, mobile, clothes, and education—Flickinger said.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 13 Apr. 2026
  • Cloobeck endorsed the congressman and put about $1 million into an independent expenditure committee backing him.
    Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Expense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expense. Accessed 19 Apr. 2026.

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