as in greed
an intense selfish desire for wealth or possessions
the bank official's embezzlement was motivated by pure avarice
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Recent Examples of avarice
In this coming era—during which fear, corruption, and avarice will stand in prominence—gentleness, morality, and reason must be cherished in whatever form they can be found.
—
The New Yorker, 17 Jan. 2025
Its third and latest season offers a sharp dissection of how work can become an obsession, the false promises of ethical investing, and the endless cycle of avarice to which stockbrokers (and perhaps the rest of us) belong.
—Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 12 Dec. 2024
Zoom out: The public's reaction to Thompson's killing has highlighted the avarice and inequality that many Americans believe is at the root of the country's health care system.
—Ivana Saric, Axios, 10 Dec. 2024
First, there is a widespread perception that health insurance companies are characterized by avarice and callousness.
—Niall Stanage, The Hill, 6 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for avarice
The New Yorker, 17 Jan. 2025
Its third and latest season offers a sharp dissection of how work can become an obsession, the false promises of ethical investing, and the endless cycle of avarice to which stockbrokers (and perhaps the rest of us) belong.
—Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 12 Dec. 2024
Zoom out: The public's reaction to Thompson's killing has highlighted the avarice and inequality that many Americans believe is at the root of the country's health care system.
—Ivana Saric, Axios, 10 Dec. 2024
First, there is a widespread perception that health insurance companies are characterized by avarice and callousness.
—Niall Stanage, The Hill, 6 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for avarice
Recent Examples of Synonyms for avarice
greed
Noun
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There was some blowback to Walmart’s announcement, with some of President Donald Trump’s most ardent supporters accusing the company of greed and using tariffs as an excuse.—
Phillip Molnar,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 May 2025
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That move was derided as an example of the N.F.L.’s bottomless greed and willingness to abandon fans and their city in search of more money.—
Ken Belson,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Avarice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/avarice. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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