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.

During the war, the Johnson administration steered funds to continuing operations at the expense of readiness, procurement and maintenance.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

So here are returns and expense ratios for four defined-outcome ETFs for one year and three years through April 27, with SPY at the bottom for reference.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 28, 2026

What was once a routine expense, is now forcing the family to cut back elsewhere just to cope.

From BBC • 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

The publishers agreed to spring for the postage costs, so your total expense is the note or card or whatever.

From "The Princess Bride" by William Goldman

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!