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
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
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
-
This follows a general trend of people reporting less desire to get married and have families at a young age.—
Rachel Hale,
USA Today,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Born from Raimi’s desire to make a movie about pulp hero the Shadow before he was denied the rights by Universal, Darkman is an original creation, starring Liam Neeson as a scientist who is disfigured in a mob attack and given superpowers thanks to an experimental treatment.—
James Grebey,
Vulture,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Schemmel’s passion these days is working as an ambassador and chief fundraiser for Best Day Ministries in downtown Longmont.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
31 Jan. 2026
-
If Boca Championship Wrestling sounds like an unusual passion project for a real-estate broker, Maschler is quick to explain the overlap.—
Jason Phillips,
USA Today,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
That can lead to stylistic compromises that derail the lust factor for buyers.—
William Roberson,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
However, the true romantic highlight of Season 4 thus far is the burgeoning lust, yearning and flirtation Lady Violet shares with Lord Marcus Anderson (Daniel Francis).—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Concupiscence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/concupiscence. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
