Synonyms of covetous

covetous

adjective

ˈkə-və-təs 

1

as in greedy

having or marked by an eager and often selfish desire especially for material possessions

one aggressive bargain hunter rushed to make a covetous grab for the last marked-down TV

Synonyms & Similar Words

• greedy
• eager
• mercenary
• avaricious
• acquisitive
• coveting
• avid
• grasping
• rapacious
• grabby
• desirous
• materialistic
• moneygrubbing
• insatiable
• ravenous
• miserly
• gluttonous
• piggish
• hoggish
• egocentric
• unquenchable
• discontented
• unsatisfied
• devouring
• grudging
• piggy
• lickerish
• voracious
• itchy
• resentful
• swinish
• egotistic
• commercialistic
• egoistic
• discontent
• begrudging
• self-centered
• malcontent
• gobbling
• self-seeking
• philistine

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• generous
• handsome
• charitable
• liberal
• altruistic
• unselfish
• magnanimous
• selfless
• bountiful
• bounteous
• munificent
• controlled
• unsparing
• restrained
• temperate
• moderate
• nonmaterialistic
• satisfied
• openhanded
• content
• openhearted
• greathearted
• sated
• freehanded

2

as in jealous

having or showing mean resentment of another's possessions or advantages

a covetous child who must destroy what he cannot have

Synonyms & Similar Words

• jealous
• envious
• resentful
• invidious
• greedy
• green with envy
• malicious
• jaundiced
• green-eyed
• avaricious
• suspicious
• eating one's heart out
• grudging
• spiteful
• begrudging
• grasping
• petty
• rapacious
• distrustful

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• generous
• kind
• charitable
• benevolent
• altruistic
• unenvious
• kindhearted
• well-meaning

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective covetous differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of covetous are acquisitive, avaricious, grasping, and greedy. While all these words mean "having or showing a strong desire for especially material possessions," covetous implies inordinate desire often for another's possessions.

covetous of his brother's country estate

Where would acquisitive be a reasonable alternative to covetous?

The meanings of acquisitive and covetous largely overlap; however, acquisitive implies both eagerness to possess and ability to acquire and keep.

an eagerly acquisitive mind

In what contexts can avaricious take the place of covetous?

The words avaricious and covetous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, avaricious implies obsessive acquisitiveness especially of money and strongly suggests stinginess.

an avaricious miser

How is grasping related to other words for covetous?

Grasping adds to covetous and greedy an implication of selfishness and often suggests unfair or ruthless means.

a hard grasping businesswoman who cheated her associates

When is it sensible to use greedy instead of covetous?

The synonyms greedy and covetous are sometimes interchangeable, but greedy stresses lack of restraint and often of discrimination in desire.

greedy for status symbols

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of covetous

Image Meet Me at the Crossroads by Megan Giddings The sudden appearance of seven mysterious doors across the world draws attention from religious sects, covetous billionaires and everyday people who speculate over what lies on the other side. —Laura Thompson, New York Times, 22 May 2025

For a very long time, other nations have been sizing up California with a covetous eye. —Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2025

Those include a daffy retriever, a headstrong capybara, a covetous lemur and a mysterious bird, as well as glimpses of more fantastical creatures. —Jack Smart, People.com, 5 Jan. 2025

No actor has played him with as much reptilian cruelty and covetous flair as Andrew Scott, either. —Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 11 Dec. 2024