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

He was lost in his personal problems, and, perhaps, blinded by greed. — Keith O’Brien, New Yorker, 25 June 2026

Does this show reveal more to me how the most vulnerable amongst us are suffering as a result of disinterest, apathy, greed? — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 27 June 2026

Some rabbinic readings attribute Lot’s hesitation to leave Sodom to his immoral greed and inordinate wealth. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 July 2026

Entering our 250th year, America will either emerge as a more perfect union, or crumble under the weight of our own cruelty and greed. — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 24 June 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