as in cost
a payment made in the course of achieving a result
they spared no expense in building the house of their dreams
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Recent Examples of expense
Total expenses were $589,356 for a net loss of $124,859.
—
Charlotte Observer, 22 Jan. 2026
Each person is also responsible for their own legal fees and expenses.
—Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 22 Jan. 2026
Our study finds that individuals who believe that women’s achievements come at men’s expense, or that women have too much power, are far more likely to dislike Swift.
—Laurel Elder, Fortune, 22 Jan. 2026
Saddler said the temporary spending freeze resulted in a 10% reduction of unencumbered school funds — money that has not been committed to specific expenses — while district administrative departments absorbed 20% in reductions.
—Molly Gibbs, Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for expense
Charlotte Observer, 22 Jan. 2026
Each person is also responsible for their own legal fees and expenses.
—Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 22 Jan. 2026
Our study finds that individuals who believe that women’s achievements come at men’s expense, or that women have too much power, are far more likely to dislike Swift.
—Laurel Elder, Fortune, 22 Jan. 2026
Saddler said the temporary spending freeze resulted in a 10% reduction of unencumbered school funds — money that has not been committed to specific expenses — while district administrative departments absorbed 20% in reductions.
—Molly Gibbs, Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for expense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expense
Noun
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There’s a reason why communities are increasingly pushing back against plans to build data centers; costs borne by the community far outweigh the benefits to the community.—
Krista Kafer,
Denver Post,
25 Jan. 2026
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The bill includes incentives for schools to lower the cost of a degree and to ensure that graduates meet certain average income thresholds, a nudge to help students attain degrees in fields that offer enhanced opportunities.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
25 Jan. 2026
Noun
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About half of the county’s expenditure will help pay for tiny homes for the site and improvements such as wastewater treatment, parking, paths, decks and fencing.—
Richard Halstead,
Mercury News,
26 Jan. 2026
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Markets have grown increasingly skeptical about whether surging capital expenditure by hyperscalers will continue to translate into earnings growth.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
26 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Expense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expense. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
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