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.
That small cabal of handlers pulling the strings and feeding his ego, lust for revenge and greed are the real culprits who must be held accountable. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 2 Mar. 2026 Unlike similar shows that tackle worlds of money and power, such as Billions and Succession, Industry has made music its surprising heartbeat, using cultural references to emphasize overarching themes of greed, corruption, and relentless ambition. Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 1 Mar. 2026 Friends of Wendy and Gary Spohr filed one after another before Judge Garen Horst to describe a loving couple who thrived on adventure and travel, whether skiing their beloved Sierra or diving in the waters of the South Pacific, but whose lives were cut down out of Serafini’s greed. Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 28 Feb. 2026 Throw in a good measure of nihilism, greed, and narcissism. Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 27 Feb. 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 4 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

greed

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

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