greed

noun

ˈgrēd 

: a selfish and excessive desire for more of something (such as money) than is needed

motivated by naked ambition and greed

greed for money and power

Synonyms of greed

• avarice
• greediness
• rapacity
• acquisitiveness
• cupidity
• desire
• covetousness
• rapaciousness
• avariciousness
• hunger
• thirst
• appetite

Examples of greed in a Sentence

He was a ruthless businessman, motivated by naked ambition and greed.

don't let greed for riches control you

Recent Examples on the Web

Ultimately, people’s emotions (greed and fear) about money and investing haven’t changed much over time, and their actions typically resemble those of their ancestors. — Kenneth G. Winans, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

Industry is where innocence goes to die, choked out in bed by various personifications of greed. — Judy Berman, Time, 8 July 2026

Growing profit margins and perceptions of greed are hard to overlook. — Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 8 July 2026

In their view, high prices are not market failures but moral ones, the result of greed and corruption, which can be vanquished with the right intention. — Idrees Kahloon, The Atlantic, 6 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from greedy

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for greed

• bead
• bleed
• brede
• breed
• cede
• creed
• deed
• feed
• freed
• heed
• keyed
• knead

Kids Definition

greed

noun

ˈgrēd 

: selfish desire for food, money, or possessions over and above one's needs