as in fortune
a very large amount of money
that enormous diamond ring must have cost a king's ransom
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Recent Examples of king's ransom
The king's ransom paid Apple for Google search priority has been called into question due to the government's antitrust case against Alphabet .
—
Zev Fima, CNBC, 1 Aug. 2025
But Suárez might go for a king's ransom if the bidding war takes off in the Diamondbacks' direction.
—Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
Given Keller has 3 1/2 years left before becoming a free agent, the demand from the Pirates is going to be very high -- essentially a king's ransom.
—Drew Vonscio, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025
But Milwaukee is likely going to ask for a king's ransom, and the Warriors may not be willing to pay the price.
—Matt Levine, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025
Williams is such a talented prospect that experts are saying the Bears should not trade the first overall pick for a king's ransom.
—Jon Hoefling, USA TODAY, 5 Feb. 2024
What king's ransom would the price of entry be if the trumpeters all make a ‘living wage’ for a temporary job best filled by college students?
—Luther Ray Abel, National Review, 17 Feb. 2023
But a king's ransom awaits you with A Royal Corgi Christmas (Hallmark, Nov. 25), where a prince who's about to assume the throne gifts his mother a rambunctious corgi named Mistletoe, who's in desperate need of a trainer.
—Dan Snierson, EW.com, 22 Nov. 2022
At the Chamounix Equestrian Center, children learn the aristocratic sport — but those in the Work to Ride program don't need a king's ransom.
—Anne-Marie Green, CBS News, 31 Aug. 2022
Zev Fima, CNBC, 1 Aug. 2025
But Suárez might go for a king's ransom if the bidding war takes off in the Diamondbacks' direction.
—Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
Given Keller has 3 1/2 years left before becoming a free agent, the demand from the Pirates is going to be very high -- essentially a king's ransom.
—Drew Vonscio, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025
But Milwaukee is likely going to ask for a king's ransom, and the Warriors may not be willing to pay the price.
—Matt Levine, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025
Williams is such a talented prospect that experts are saying the Bears should not trade the first overall pick for a king's ransom.
—Jon Hoefling, USA TODAY, 5 Feb. 2024
What king's ransom would the price of entry be if the trumpeters all make a ‘living wage’ for a temporary job best filled by college students?
—Luther Ray Abel, National Review, 17 Feb. 2023
But a king's ransom awaits you with A Royal Corgi Christmas (Hallmark, Nov. 25), where a prince who's about to assume the throne gifts his mother a rambunctious corgi named Mistletoe, who's in desperate need of a trainer.
—Dan Snierson, EW.com, 22 Nov. 2022
At the Chamounix Equestrian Center, children learn the aristocratic sport — but those in the Work to Ride program don't need a king's ransom.
—Anne-Marie Green, CBS News, 31 Aug. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for king's ransom
Noun
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Immigration is not a zero-sum game: more immigration can boost local and national economies while improving the fortunes of people seeking better lives.—
Alexander Kustov,
Foreign Affairs,
12 Aug. 2025
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George, meanwhile, came out on top after coming dangerously close to losing his life, railroad company and fortune this season after overleveraging his businesses and being unable to make a few crucial deals.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
11 Aug. 2025
Noun
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But arguably the biggest change will come Aug. 21, when ESPN and Fox each launch their new streaming services, and bring their NFL games to streaming outside of the pay-TV bundle for the first time.—
Alex Weprin,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Aug. 2025
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Customers will still be able to subscribe to Hulu’s content—ranging from originals and network hits to live TV—either independently or as part of a bundle with Disney+ and ESPN+.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
12 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The finish is increasingly tannic—though not drying or overly astringent—with pleasant, lingering notes of mint chocolate (or peppermint-spiced hot chocolate), sniderdoodles, and herbal syrup.—
David Thomas Tao,
Forbes.com,
3 Aug. 2025
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Its eucalyptus, cedarwood, and mint scent transports me to a forest by the beach, and its small amount of baking soda helps curb odors without turning my skin into a rashy mess.—
Sara Coughlin,
SELF,
23 July 2025
Noun
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Our government piles regulations on businesses and turns a blind eye as shoplifting ruins retail outlets.—
Phillip Molnar,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Aug. 2025
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Remove brush and firewood piles or stacks of rocks that provide shelter from elements and predators.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
6 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The devastation of the two bombs coupled with the threat of a full-scale Allied invasion set Japan on the path to surrender.—
Jason Rossi,
The Enquirer,
9 Aug. 2025
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Trump also highlighted the stories of valor of other Purple Heart recipients, including Army Spc. Kevin Jensen whose Humvee was hit by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan in 2008.—
MEG KINNARD THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
8 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“King's ransom.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/king%27s%20ransom. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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