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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Relegation, combined with Lerner’s desire to get the club off his hands, led to a redundancy programme being set up to reduce the workforce by around a third.—
Stuart James,
New York Times,
21 Mar. 2026
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But partners may simply put their best foot forward at first, experts said, and the extent of power or control someone desires can grow over time.—
Kristen Rogers,
CNN Money,
21 Mar. 2026
Noun
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In recent years, Nicky has found his passion in painting and art.—
Lori A Bashian,
FOXNews.com,
21 Mar. 2026
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Huerta channels her passion into a union Dolores Clara Fernandez was born April 10, 1930, in Dawson, New Mexico.—
Stephanie Elam,
CNN Money,
21 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The object of his love and lust is a ruminant.—
Theater Critic,
San Francisco Chronicle,
15 Mar. 2026
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In the show’s understanding of powerful men’s lust for young — often too young — women, Hayley and, subsequently, Yasmin are positioned as conduits between the elite and their transgressive desires, not unlike Ghislaine Maxwell’s role in Epstein’s broader scheme.—
Jeff Ihaza,
Rolling Stone,
5 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Concupiscence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/concupiscence. Accessed 25 Mar. 2026.
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