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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.

“With no expense spared, this property boasts luxury quality construction, with grand scale and volume throughout, flooded with fresh air and brilliant Southern California sunlight,” the description stated.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

One doesn't have to come at the expense of the other.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

They avoid hospitals, often at the expense of their own family’s health.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

The fund, with an expense ratio of 0.09%, was widely considered groundbreaking as the first popular ETF when it hit the market in 1993.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

The others all began to laugh then, even Call, who knew the joke was at his expense.

From "Jacob Have I Loved" by Katherine Paterson