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
-
Clinton, whose relationship with Epstein has been subject to public scrutiny, said his desire for a public hearing is out of respect for Epstein’s victims and claimed Comer, who presides over the committee, is using Clinton as a political pawn.—
Claire Carter,
The Washington Examiner,
7 Feb. 2026
-
The launch will showcase the founder’s desire to introduce something new to the luxury aviation space.—
Ethan Stone,
USA Today,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Lilies symbolize promise, passion, life and fidelity.—
Chris McKeown,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
7 Feb. 2026
-
The 17-year-old Buzbee, a student at Hamilton Southeastern High School, was known for her big smile, generosity, ease with people and passion for journalism.—
Domenica Bongiovanni,
IndyStar,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
After debuting with minimal fanfare in November 2025, the provocative Canadian drama about rival hockey players whose passion explodes into lust (and eventually love) became a word-of-mouth sensation.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
5 Feb. 2026
-
As children growing up in the same highly dysfunctional household, the two form a bond more passionate than siblinghood and purer than lust.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
4 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Concupiscence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/concupiscence. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
