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.

Since late 2023, the Treasury has tried to limit the rise in burgeoning interest expense by issuing more short-term bills rather than intermediate- and longer-dated securities.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

Sports rights, particularly for NFL games, are generally the largest content expense for media companies.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

They blame Hybe and BTS for chasing a lucrative Western market at the expense of originality.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

“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

“I shouldn’t let her get to me. I mean, we’re talking about someone who felt the need to prove she was a badass at the expense of a random teenager asking a completely valid question.”

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

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

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