1
as in desire
sexual appetite
the Puritans did not condemn concupiscence but rather the satisfaction of it in ways they deemed illicit
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in lustfulness
intense sexual desire
according to the church theologian St. Augustine, concupiscence is a consequence of original sin
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of concupiscence
Gregory of Nyssa, contemplating the Christian horror of concupiscence, once theorized that had not Adam and Eve sinned, the two of them would have remained virgins and reproduced in whatever way angels did.
—
David Harsanyi, National Review, 8 June 2023
The depictions are disturbingly romantic: seminude invaders among smoldering monuments, preening with bloodlust and concupiscence.
—Cullen Murphy, The Atlantic, 9 June 2020
David Harsanyi, National Review, 8 June 2023
The depictions are disturbingly romantic: seminude invaders among smoldering monuments, preening with bloodlust and concupiscence.
—Cullen Murphy, The Atlantic, 9 June 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for concupiscence
Noun
-
It is not caused by stress or poor communication but by a desire for dominance.—
Ed Gaskin,
Boston Herald,
19 Oct. 2025
-
At this level, Renar explained, your desire for others does not disappear.—
Julia Ioffe,
New Yorker,
19 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Each candle pairs a calming scent with a meaningful crystal, like rose quartz for healing or garnet for passion.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Glamour,
13 Oct. 2025
-
Until the attempt to muzzle Kimmel failed, giving satirists a new cause and fresh passion to pursue it.—
Eric Deggans,
NPR,
13 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Motivated by Friede’s fearsome Charizard and with almost as much lust for adventure as his trainer Roy, this little fireball (evolved in season two to Crocalor) wants to be the very best, like no one ever was.—
Jack Smart,
PEOPLE,
10 Oct. 2025
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That remark — coupled with the image of the ingenue Tilly — generated an outpouring of fury, anxiety, fascination and lust.—
Gene Maddaus,
Variety,
8 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Concupiscence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/concupiscence. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
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