Synonyms for

Costly

Verb / ˈkɑ:stli: / / ˈkɔ:stli: / Another word for costly — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

expensive; requiring a lot of money to buy or do

Synonyms & similar words

pricey dearlywon dear highpriced pricy expensive pricy high-priced dear valuable pricey premium exorbitant luxurious lavish fancy splendid sumptuous opulent extravagant spendy big-ticket rich high-end upmarket

Synonyms by register

Formal

expensive high-priced dear valuable

Informal

pricey steep a bundle a pretty penny

Literary

exorbitant unaffordable

Antonyms

cheap inexpensive affordable low-cost economical budget-friendly

Common collocations

  • costly mistake
  • costly affair
  • costly endeavor
  • costly pursuit
  • costly process
  • costly operation

Word family

noun cost
verb cost
adjective costly
adverb costly

Usage note

While 'costly' often implies a high price, it can also refer to something that incurs significant loss or damage, not just monetary expense. It is generally more formal than 'expensive'.

Example sentences

  1. The diamond necklace was too costly for her to buy.
  2. The repairs to the car were more costly than expected.
  3. He learned a costly lesson after losing his phone.
  4. The hotel room was quite costly but worth it for the view.
  5. The wedding was a costly affair with all the decorations and food.

Quotes

  • Freedom is a costly gift always worth fighting for. - Susan Griffin
  • The cost of being wrong is less than the cost of doing nothing. - Seth Godin
  • The truth is always a costly proposition, but it's worth it. - Hunter S. Thompson

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