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

The comedian explained that his envy pushed him to become a better comedian. — Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Aug. 2026

Those who make it abroad often return home with designer clothes, cars and euros, becoming symbols of success — and envy. — ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026

Verb

Al Davis would’ve envied how much head space Argentina occupies in the soccer world. — Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 July 2026

The offense, however, doesn’t stay down for long for Baldwin, whose swing and approach are facets of his game his teammates envy and Braves coaches rave about. — Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 15 July 2026

Phrases Containing envy

• green with envy