CONCUPISCENCE Synonyms: 36 Similar and Opposite Words

concupiscence

noun

kän-ˈkyü-pə-sən(t)s

Definition of concupiscence

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

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

frigidity

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of concupiscence Through the eyes of a scammer, America is a nation of satyrs and harlots, our concupiscence interrupted only by occasional trips to Walmart or the gas station. — Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 26 May 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for concupiscence

Noun

In order to be helpful, Muse constantly builds extensive dossiers of users and their desires, social relationships, and messaging behaviors, TIME’s Harry Booth reported this month.

— Andrew R. Chow, Time, 22 Oct. 2026
This offbeat tendency doesn’t preclude a desire to make a big splash, of course.

— Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of desire

Noun

Groff’s writing is always transcendent, and her prose is especially on display in Matrix’s passages of holy visions, bodily lust, and political power.

— James Folta, Literary Hub, 5 Oct. 2026
The gorgeous 16-track set explores grief, passion, hope, lust and reflection across four movements, featuring a bevy of special guests, including Thundercat, Steve Lacy, DRAM, Westside Gunn, Kamasi Washington, Earl Sweatshirt and more.

— Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of lust

Noun

The song addresses overcoming adversity and using others’ doubts to fuel your passion.

— Melinda Newman, Billboard, 22 Oct. 2026
The backstory Saltus is a family-run passion project led by sisters Claudia and Nadja Mumelter, alongside their mother, Hedwig.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of passion

Browse Nearby Words

concubines

concupiscence

concupiscent

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Concupiscence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/concupiscence. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of concupiscence

noun

Example Sentences

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