greed

1 of 2

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

greed

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of gree entry 2

Synonyms of greed

Noun

• avarice
• greediness
• rapacity
• acquisitiveness
• cupidity
• desire
• covetousness
• rapaciousness
• avariciousness
• hunger
• thirst
• appetite

Examples of greed in a Sentence

Noun

He was a ruthless businessman, motivated by naked ambition and greed.

don't let greed for riches control you

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

For all the tectonic shifts in college sports, for the nonsensical new national conferences, for the greed and growing pains spurred by pay for play, there was no one more ready to meet this moment than Close. — Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2026

In his latest romp, corporate greed, lovable cows and hideous monsters converge in Richland, Ohio. — Sam MacDonald, Scientific American, 28 Oct. 2026

But he was plagued by guilt over his ancestor’s role in the trials, and felt compelled to explore themes of human character, greed, and social decay through his work. — Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026

The term has since become a shorthand for antisemitic depictions of greed and has been condemned for elevating offensive stereotypes about Jewish people. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

back-formation from greedy

First Known Use

Noun

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