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
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The vitality of her language, its frolicsome dance with personification, communicates its own resistance in the face of an indifferent world, exploited by imperialist greed and barbaric, militant might. Rachel Vorona Cote, Vulture, 2 June 2026 According to Butcher, since Nancy Guthrie is the mother of Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie, the clear motive is financial greed. Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 2 June 2026 For three weeks, federal prosecutor Faiza Alhambra said, the government has presented testimony from witnesses and provided examples of the defendants’ greed. Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 2 June 2026 His fragile starman is a strange, complex being navigating his way through Earth’s obstacles, including love, lust, addiction, greed, and ambition in his plight to save his planet and survive the chaos caused by his arrival. Jeff Spry, Space.com, 29 May 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 5 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

greed

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

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