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

In politics—according to Berman and, by extension, Longwell—the most convincing arguments play to love, sympathy, greed, fear, and anger. — Isaac Arnsdorf, New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2026

Where the series worked backwards from the bomb to uncover the botched grand plan behind it, the film loopily joins the dots from an apparent crime of passion to a far more famous crime of greed. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 17 Sep. 2026

Today, the pitchforks are out, and who else better represents the hubris and greed of late-stage capitalism? — Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026

More than three-quarters of the world's cobalt supply lies in the Democratic Republic of Congo, whose abundant resources have drawn greed and grifters for centuries. — Ramtin Arablouei, NPR, 27 Aug. 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