Synonyms for
Expense
Definition
The cost of goods or services used or consumed in order to operate a business or maintain a lifestyle.
Synonyms & similar words
Synonyms by register
Antonyms
Common collocations
- operating expense
- business expense
- travel expense
- expense account
- expense report
- expense claim
- expense incurred
Word family
Usage note
While 'expense' can refer to a cost, it often implies a cost incurred in the process of earning income or performing a duty. 'Expensive' is the adjective form meaning high in cost.
Example sentences
- I need to keep track of my expenses to make sure I don't overspend.
- The company's expenses have increased this year due to higher rent prices.
- The trip was cancelled due to unexpected expenses.
- The bride and groom decided to cut back on wedding expenses.
- I can't afford this expense right now.
Quotes
The extravagance of other nations is held to be a great expense to their people; and it were to be wished that our own luxury had lessened our demands on the foreign market. - David Ricardo
The expense of a great many things may be an impedimenta to a man of moderate income, and therefore it will be necessary for him to choose his path in life, and adhere to it with a steadfastness of purpose that will not be turned aside by the allurements of ambition or the attractions of pleasure. - James Henry Hammond
The expense of a single war would, in a few years, blot out all the little savings of the United Provinces. - John Lothrop Motley