greed

noun

Synonyms of greednext
: 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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The film transgresses time to show how greed, faith, desire and the hunger for meaning repeat themselves. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 19 Mar. 2026 In the end, every survivor stands alone because what needs to heal is a soul shattered by the trivial evil of carnal greed, a pain so personal and unique even another survivor can’t fully understand it. Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026 Because your siblings have chosen to embrace that divisiveness and greed, these may not be relationships that serve you anymore. R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 16 Mar. 2026 Such is the suffering of the lowly expendables, but spoils of war for the oligarchy of greed and power. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 15 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for greed

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from greedy

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of greed was in 1609

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Greed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/greed. Accessed 26 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

greed

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

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