grasping

adjective grasp·ing \ ˈgra-spiŋ \

Definition of grasping

: desiring material possessions urgently and excessively and often to the point of ruthlessness

Her grasping children fought over her property when she died.

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graspingly

play \ˈgra-spiŋ-lē\ adverb

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graspingness

noun

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Examples of grasping in a Sentence

Her grasping children fought over her property when she died.
a grasping person who would rather buy a car he didn't need than give a dime to charity

Origin and Etymology of grasping

see ¹grasp

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1710

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

grasping Synonyms

Synonyms

acquisitive, avaricious, avid, coveting, covetous, grabby, greedy, 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;

desirous, eager, itchy, 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;

Synonym Discussion of grasping

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.