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

Wolfe’s The Bonfire of the Vanities explores greed, avarice and racial divisions between the haves and have nots in 1980s New York City. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2026

And yet, besieged by the same afflictions of greed, self-interest and a comical inability to work together, horse racing is doing its damndest to similarly mess up its very good thing. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 5 Aug. 2026

To be successful now is to achieve the satisfaction of one’s greed, which of course is enlarged by every additional prospect of satisfaction. — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026

VanNess says to help with housing affordability, there needs to be more focus on nonprofit developers whose aim is not greed. — Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Aug. 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