General:
* Expenses: This is a very broad synonym that covers any costs associated with running a business.
* Costs: Similar to "expenses," but can also refer to costs of specific projects or activities.
* Outlays: This emphasizes the act of spending money.
* Expenditures: Similar to "outlays," but often used for larger, planned expenses.
* Fixed costs: This specifically refers to costs that remain relatively constant regardless of the level of production.
Specific to business:
* Operating costs: This refers to the ongoing costs of running a business, such as rent, utilities, and salaries.
* Indirect costs: This refers to costs that are not directly related to producing a product or service, such as administrative costs.
* Fixed expenses: This refers to costs that are predictable and don't fluctuate much, such as rent or insurance.
Figurative:
* Burden: This refers to something that weighs you down or makes it difficult to succeed.
* Impediment: This refers to something that hinders or obstructs progress.
To choose the best synonym, consider the specific context and the meaning you want to convey.