cost 1 of 2

noun

ˈkȯst How to pronounce cost (audio)
Definition of costnext
1
as in expense
a payment made in the course of achieving a result the newlyweds spared no cost in building the kitchen of their dreams

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Relevance
2
as in price
the amount of money that is demanded as payment for something we can't afford the cost of a house just yet, so we're renting an apartment

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3
as in risk
the loss or penalty involved in achieving a goal they won the war, but at a terrible cost in lives

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cost

2 of 2

verb

as in to fetch
to have a price of the raffle tickets cost a dollar each

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of cost
Noun
This presents a vital opportunity for brands to secure supply, stabilize costs, and mitigate geopolitical risks through circular supply chains. — Rob Kaplan, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 The agreements are formalized with leases that spell out everything from boundaries to water costs. — ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
Verb
Energy efficient replacement tires likely will cost drivers more up front — about $26 per set by 2033 — but this will be offset by the fuel economy savings long term, according to the commission. — Blanca Begert, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026 Waller had three different injuries last season that cost him eight of a potential 17 games. — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cost
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cost
  1. expense
  2. price
  3. fetch
  4. expenditure
  5. fee
  6. bring
Noun
  • The Arkansas Medicaid program pays the premium and provides additional payments that reduce or eliminate enrollees' out-of-pocket expenses for medical care.
    — Nathan Ansell, Arkansas Online, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Yes, the Bengals landed right guard Dalton Risner near the end of last August, but finding a similar player this year would be unlikely, and Risner’s path to becoming a starter in 2025 came at the expense of early-season issues.
    — Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of expense
Noun
  • Iran is trying to use this retaliatory pressure — driving up energy prices globally — to bring the war to an end on the best terms possible.
    — Khaled Wassef, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Recent sales data suggest shoppers are responding to the price difference.
    — Beth Livesay, AJC.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of price
Verb
  • Sadequain, the celebrated Pakistani modernist whose paintings have fetched six figures, provides a useful warning.
    — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The boots, which originally retailed for $248 each, sold out quickly upon their initial December ’23 release and have gone on to fetch premium prices on the resale market.
    — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of fetch
Noun
  • Yet, despite decades of effort and millions in capital expenditures, true end-to-end lineage across a complex enterprise mosaic of custom builds and commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products remained an elusive goal.
    — Barney Krishnan, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Traders will also get the latest reading on the personal consumption expenditures price index, which is slated for release next Wednesday.
    — Sean Conlon,Hugh Leask, CNBC, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of expenditure
Noun
  • Revenue from events would help pay for repairs and upgrades to the stadium, while the city would pay the private company a management fee.
    — Sergio Candido, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Arsenal recognise this may be one of their last chances to secure a significant fee.
    — James McNicholas, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of fee
Verb
  • The service The team are friendly, enthusiastic, and genuinely warm, made even more memorable by their vibrant, patterned uniforms that bring extra character to the experience.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Drew Gilbert brought the Giants within two runs by lining a two-run shot over the short right-field fence, then Devers followed up on the next pitch with a solo homer to center.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of bring

Browse Nearby Words

cossets
cost
costar
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Cite this Entry

“Cost.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cost. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cost

Nglish: Translation of cost for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cost

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