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greedy

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adjective

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective greedy differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of greedy are acquisitive, avaricious, covetous, and grasping. While all these words mean "having or showing a strong desire for especially material possessions," greedy stresses lack of restraint and often of discrimination in desire.

greedy for status symbols

When is it sensible to use acquisitive instead of greedy?

In some situations, the words acquisitive and greedy are roughly equivalent. However, acquisitive implies both eagerness to possess and ability to acquire and keep.

an eagerly acquisitive mind

When is avaricious a more appropriate choice than greedy?

The words avaricious and greedy can be used in similar contexts, but avaricious implies obsessive acquisitiveness especially of money and strongly suggests stinginess.

an avaricious miser

Where would covetous be a reasonable alternative to greedy?

The meanings of covetous and greedy largely overlap; however, covetous implies inordinate desire often for another's possessions.

covetous of his brother's country estate

How does the word grasping relate to other synonyms for greedy?

Grasping adds to covetous and greedy an implication of selfishness and often suggests unfair or ruthless means.

a hard grasping businesswoman who cheated her associates

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 greediness
Adjective
So Buffett got greedy and shifted his bond-heavy personal portfolio into U.S. stocks. Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 22 Apr. 2025 As with an apparently solid house, the foundations start to shift, the roof leaks, and greedy neighbors start to encroach on the grounds. Margaret MacMillan, The Atlantic, 30 Apr. 2025 Your ex friends are greedy and deserve to not have you all at their wedding. Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 29 Apr. 2025 Usually, these types of bread won't cause an upset stomach for greedy pups. Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for greediness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for greediness
Noun
  • Prosecutors, however, argued that the brothers were motivated by greed and money — their father's estate was worth nearly $15 million at the time of his death.
    Rachel Treisman, NPR, 14 May 2025
  • Critics argue the murders were calculated acts of greed, rather than acts of desperation by abuse victims.
    Hanna Park, CNN Money, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • And how to be optimally developmental and transactional in an increasingly mercenary environment.
    Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 13 Mar. 2025
  • The prominent credit-card swiper offers 15 minutes for the high price of $15, and the show follows up on the Gemstones’ mercenary shamelessness later when someone working the telethon phone bank asks for a donor’s routing number.
    Scott Tobias, Vulture, 16 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The future of Azerbaijan wines appears bright—due to the availability of distinct local grape varieties and dedicated individuals ravenous to craft wines.
    Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
  • Within about a day, ravenous flesh-eating larvae erupt, which both look and act like literal screws.
    Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • While fans are excited for their own team's schedule, every NFL game, especially prime-time ones, is a must-see.
    Ricardo Klein, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
  • The nerves turned into excited butterflies as my wave kicked off.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • His approach, on and off the pitch, has had a transformative effect and as Palace seek to secure him on a new contract, there have been covetous glances cast in his direction from clubs in the German Bundesliga.
    Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025
  • For a very long time, other nations have been sizing up California with a covetous eye.
    Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The result is a record which captures Motörhead in their formative period, fresh from the early lineup which recorded the tracks that would later make up 1979’s On Parole album, yet hungry with the ambition that would turn them into one of the U.K.’s biggest heavy exports of the ’70s and ’80s.
    Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 9 May 2025
  • Remember the body blow of injustice, and don’t get mad — get hungry.
    Pat Beall, Sun Sentinel, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • The smoke travels up almost 100 feet of steel and copper tubes to the chimney and the world beyond. 21h ago / 1:45 AM PDT Share Panini, water and a telescopic folding stool: how to survive the conclave Alexander Smith Reporting from Vatican City For the avid smokewatcher, preparation is key.
    Katie Primm, NBC news, 9 May 2025
  • Residents who live near a fishing location, spend a lot of time near the water or are avid boaters are encouraged to get involved.
    Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 May 2025
Adjective
  • Banijay has been among the most acquisitive independent TV makers of recent years, and now reportedly has its sights on ITV.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 27 Apr. 2025
  • But throughout his seemingly acquisitive run, Lowry has surely brought innovative art to the institution.
    Rachel Corbett, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Greediness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/greediness. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

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