Definition of AVARICIOUS

Examples of avaricious in a Sentence

an avaricious scheme to con the elderly couple out of thousands of dollars

Recent Examples of avaricious from the Web

Soon thereafter, Jim is killed in action, and the flinty woman grows even more proud, imperious, and avaricious.

— richard brody, The New Yorker, "Pilgrimage," 5 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'avaricious.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of avaricious

see avarice

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First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

avaricious Synonyms

Synonyms

acquisitive, greedy, avid, coveting, covetous, grabby, grasping, mercenary, moneygrubbing, rapacious

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

Synonym Discussion of avaricious

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

avaricious