GREED Synonyms: 60 Similar and Opposite Words

greed

noun

ˈgrēd

Definition of greed

as in avarice

an intense selfish desire for wealth or possessions don't let greed for riches control you

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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 greed During the trial, prosecutors argued that Jeffrey was motivated by money and greed, pointing to Carpenter’s habit of carrying large amounts of cash and valuables. — Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2026 Formerly, Christians were taught that greed--that is, the immoderate pursuit and love of money--was a sin. — Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026 No ghosts, ghouls, or demons here, just the evil things that greed makes people do, at least until the little guy starts fighting back. — Eve Batey, Vanity Fair, 16 Oct. 2026 So, this is a movie about the underworld of that and the greed. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for greed

Recent Examples of Synonyms for greed

Noun

The billions from the public treasury have resulted in profits beyond the dreams of avarice.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
Wolfe’s The Bonfire of the Vanities explores greed, avarice and racial divisions between the haves and have nots in 1980s New York City.

— Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of avarice

Noun

Sudan’s civil war, a conflict credibly described as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, has seen violence matched only by the belligerents’ rapacity in pillaging the country’s riches.

— Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026
This variation of socialism aimed to blunt the rapacity of capitalism rather than sharpen its contradictions and hasten the coming revolution.

— Idrees Kahloon, The Atlantic, 6 July 2026

Definition of rapacity

Noun

Many critics of such wanton cosmic acquisitiveness balk at the idea of scarcely regulated private-sector lunar strip-mining.

— Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 14 May 2026
Following too closely in its protagonist’s footsteps, The Queen of Versailles presents only two options — tough but spiritually fulfilling material deprivation or unconstrained acquisitiveness.

— Sara Holdren, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2025

Definition of acquisitiveness

Noun

Most accounts of the era blame greed—a new ethic of cupidity that displaced whatever youthful idealism remained from the 1960s.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 May 2026
The stories of corporate cupidity and stupidity are perhaps more relevant now with technology discrupting markets.

— Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2026

Definition of cupidity

Noun

In order to be helpful, Muse constantly builds extensive dossiers of users and their desires, social relationships, and messaging behaviors, TIME’s Harry Booth reported this month.

— Andrew R. Chow, Time, 22 Oct. 2026
This offbeat tendency doesn’t preclude a desire to make a big splash, of course.

— Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of desire

Noun

And yet his movie is mischievously multi-layered enough that the idea of covetousness does open up heady new seams of interpretation.

— Jessica Kiang, Variety, 6 Sep. 2026
Simple fasting from food can be ruined — rendered not pleasing to Allah — if spoiled by telling lies, slander, denouncing someone behind his back, swearing a false oath, greed or covetousness.

— The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 17 Feb. 2026