covetous

cov·et·ous

adj \ˈkə-və-təs\

Definition of COVETOUS

1

: marked by inordinate desire for wealth or possessions or for another's possessions

2

: having a craving for possession <covetous of power>

— cov·et·ous·ly adverb

— cov·et·ous·ness noun

Examples of COVETOUS

1. The expensive car drew many covetous looks.
2. <one aggressive bargain hunter rushed to make a covetous grab for the last marked-down TV>

First Known Use of COVETOUS

13th century

Related to COVETOUS

Synonyms: acquisitive, avaricious, avid, coveting, greedy, grabby, grasping, mercenary, moneygrubbing, rapacious

Antonyms: unenvious

Related Words: commercialistic, materialistic, philistine; desirous, eager, itchy, lickerish, miserly; hoggish, piggish, piggy, swinish; devouring, gluttonous, gobbling, insatiable, ravenous, unquenchable, voracious; egocentric, egoistic (also egoistical), egotistic (or egotistical), self-centered, self-seeking; discontent, discontented, malcontent, unsatisfied; begrudging, grudging, resentful

Near Antonyms: nonmaterialistic; altruistic, bounteous, bountiful, charitable, freehanded, generous, greathearted, handsome, liberal, magnanimous, munificent, openhanded, openhearted, selfless, unselfish, unsparing; controlled, moderate, restrained, temperate; content, sated, satisfied

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Synonym Discussion of COVETOUS

covetous, greedy, acquisitive, grasping, avaricious mean having or showing a strong desire for especially material possessions. covetous implies inordinate desire often for another's possessions <covetous of his brother's country estate>. greedy stresses lack of restraint and often of discrimination in desire <greedy for status symbols>. acquisitive implies both eagerness to possess and ability to acquire and keep <an eagerly acquisitive mind>. grasping adds to covetous and greedy an implication of selfishness and often suggests unfair or ruthless means <a hard grasping trader who cheated the natives>. avaricious implies obsessive acquisitiveness especially of money and strongly suggests stinginess <an avaricious miser>.