Synonyms of envy

envy 1 of 2

noun

ˈen-vē 

as in jealousy

a painful awareness of another's possessions or advantages and a desire to have them too

their envy of their neighbor's fancy home threatened to wreck their friendship

Synonyms & Similar Words

• jealousy
• hatred
• resentment
• covetousness
• enviousness
• invidiousness
• animosity
• enmity
• malice
• green-eyed monster
• ill will
• spitefulness
• maliciousness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• sympathy
• kindness
• goodwill
• benevolence

envy

2 of 2

verb

as in to resent

to have a resentful awareness of and desire for (another's possessions or advantages) or to feel resentment toward (someone) over possessions or advantages

her coworkers envied her chummy relationship with the senior vice president

they envied him because he didn't have to work for a living

Synonyms & Similar Words

• resent
• begrudge
• want
• desire
• covet
• crave
• wish (for)
• long (for)
• die (for)
• hunger (for)
• lust (for or after)
• itch (for)
• ache (for)
• yen (for)
• thirst (for)
• yearn (for)
• jones (for)
• salivate
• hanker (for or after)
• pant (after)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of envy

Noun

Successful handhelds are the envy of gaming manufacturers, as many have spent the last couple of years chasing the Steam Deck's success. — James Peckham, PC Magazine, 28 July 2026

After once causing league-wide envy for their dynastic run filled with four NBA championships, generational talent and strong organizational depth, the Warriors currently seem light years behind. — Mark Medina, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026

Verb

And, as any $6-a-gallon pumper in California might envy at this geopolitical moment, the Cayenne combines generous electric driving range with zero tailpipe emissions. — Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 15 July 2026

The leverage is real, and Turkey has cultivated a direct line to Washington that most European capitals would envy. — Güney Yıldız, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

Phrases Containing envy

• green with envy