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 Jim Bakker, the pioneering TV evangelist who became a symbol of the glitz and greed of the 1980s when his PTL empire near Charlotte collapsed amid scandals, died Monday. — Melissa Rodriguez, Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 2026 Directed by Vietnam veteran Oliver Stone, Douglas delivered an unforgettable performance about the dangers of unchecked capitalism and greed. — Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026 Another example is ridicule and mockery of stingy or braggadocious individuals, which keeps greed and bravado in check. — Christopher Von Rueden, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2026 People Are Manipulated, Not Just Systems Phishing and social engineering attacks are launched against potential victims and work by imbuing fear, urgency, greed and curiosity. — Steve Durbin, Forbes.com, 1 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

Trump has expressed his desire to acquire Greenland since 2019 and, during his second term, issued threats to seize the territory from Denmark, a NATO ally.

— Stefanie Dazio, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
Gray Wielebinski’s new site-specific Production (2026) will transform the fair’s public toilets into an intimate olfactory environment, where scent, bodily function, privacy, desire, and surveillance will converge.

— Jade Wilson, ARTnews.com, 14 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