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
Relevance
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
-
Some Canadian national team players have arrived at the Gold Cup out of their desire to win a trophy and hopefully push themselves up the pecking order on Jesse Marsch’s 2026 World Cup roster.—
Joshua Kloke,
New York Times,
19 June 2025
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More Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation Many fans have been happy with this news, as the desire for the Buss Family to sell the team has grown over the years.—
Matt Levine,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 June 2025
Noun
-
Imagine telling any of the women in that hairdressers shop that art should be untouched by national and political passion, particularly in time of war.—
Kamila Shamsie
June 20,
Literary Hub,
20 June 2025
-
Dear Abby: In the four years my husband and I have been married, his distaste for the LGBTQ community has grown into a passion.—
Abigail Van Buren,
Boston Herald,
19 June 2025
Noun
-
The script is sassy and fun and the cast — Nadler, Helene Udy, Sandra Cruze, Ethan Corn, Jessica Kinsella, Ty Chen and Maya Worthy — make for most pleasant company as Josh grapples with grief, lust and the realization that perfection is indeed an illusion.—
Randy Myers,
Mercury News,
12 June 2025
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This powerful introduction sets the tone for an astonishing and brave exhibition which delves deep into the psyche of the artist and addresses universal themes of love, lust, loss, illness and fear.—
Lee Sharrock,
Forbes.com,
12 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Concupiscence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/concupiscence. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
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