Definitions

expense

[ik-spens] / ɪkˈspɛns /

NOUN

cost, payment

Synonyms

STRONGEST

amount budget charge consumption debt expenditure insurance investment liability loan loss mortgage obligation outlay payroll price price tag rate risk spending sum tariff value

STRONG

assessment bite debit decrement deprivation disbursement duty forfeit forfeiture outdo output overhead responsibility sacrifice surcharge toll upkeep worth

WEAK

bottom line out of pocket

Antonyms

STRONGEST

asset

STRONG

irresponsibility

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

When “The Devil Wears Prada” first opened in theaters in 2006, magazines like Vogue were fat with ads, famed for their lavish staff expense reports and considered bibles of the fashion world.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 28, 2026

"How many times will ABC's leadership enable Kimmel's atrocious behavior at the expense of our community," she wrote.

From BBC • Apr. 27, 2026

"Enough is enough. It is time for ABC to take a stand. How many times will ABC's leadership enable Kimmel's atrocious behavior at the expense of our community."

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

“How many times will ABC’s leadership enable Kimmel’s atrocious behavior at the expense of our community.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 27, 2026

Having spared no expense on the quality of paper and engraving, she barely recovered the costs of the first printing.

From "The Girl Who Drew Butterflies: How Maria Merian's Art Changed Science" by Joyce Sidman

Vocabulary lists containing expense

Personal Finance and Financial Literacy - Introductory

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Personal Finance and Financial Literacy - High School

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Personal Finance and Financial Literacy - Middle School

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!