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

That is the basis upon which the country’s enormous scientific achievements—progress in lifesaving treatments, a university system that is the envy of the world, and a vibrant technology-and-biotech sector—have been built. — Mark Histed, The Atlantic, 17 June 2026

Having a lawn that is the envy of the neighborhood is many a homeowner’s dream. — Lauren Wellbank, Martha Stewart, 17 June 2026

Verb

Ahead, discover 10 gem nail ideas that'll spark major manicure envy this summer. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 7 June 2026

Gotta give the kids something to envy. — Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 1 June 2026

Phrases Containing envy

• green with envy