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
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Ultimately, Mother Nature is still in charge, and with luxury wines, having less availability often creates more desire from consumers anyway.—
Liz Thach,
Forbes.com,
6 Aug. 2025
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The character’s defiance, her desire to break free, came more naturally to Lower than the role of Helly’s outie, the privileged Lumon scion Helena Eagan, who takes on more prominence in season two.—
Julian Sancton,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Aug. 2025
Noun
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What brings the biggest purpose and passion to your days lately?—
Jeff Conway,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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Rich with nuance, passion, and unforgettable characters, Unaccustomed Earth invites you into the elite and insular Indian-American community of Cambridge, MA.—
Joe Otterson,
Variety,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The film, which features only two speaking roles, consists of seven conversations between a married couple with each flinch of resentment, lust, and morbid curiosity magnified at close range.—
Tiara Ataii,
Vulture,
24 June 2025
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There is nothing, these films insist, quite like that first blush (and flush) of love (and lust).—
Manuel Betancourt,
Variety,
28 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Concupiscence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/concupiscence. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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